Library Guides: Diversity in STEM: Finding Professional Organizations

Finding Organizations

Review STEM organizations, separated by discipline, to review their resources related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in STEM. A handful of resources are outlined below but this is not an exhaustive list. If there is an organization that is missing from this guide, please let us know!

To learn more about these issues, read the newly published (2023) report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, "Advancing Antiracism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEMM Organizations: Beyond Broadening Participation." Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/26803.

General Science

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
AAAS is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, science and engineering by encouraging the recruitment, development, and retention of scientists. AAAS provides tools that expand access to STEM education, strengthen and diversify the science and technology workforce, and amplify underrepresented and marginalized voices within STEM.
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
AWIS champions the interests of women in science across all disciplines and employment sectors. Working for positive system transformation, AWIS strives to ensure that all women in these fields can achieve their full potential.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community. With over 100 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM.
Out to Innovate
We are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and more (and allies)! Those of us who are able, are out and proud. We advocate equal employment opportunity, professional networking, role modeling, science education, and scientific freedom/responsibility. We practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with PRIDE.
The Nature Conservacy Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Nature Conservancy values dignity and respect for all. We believe conservation is best advanced when diverse teams, partners, and local communities are working together to better understand and protect our planet.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Health and Equity
Equity is the absence of unfair, avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically, or geographically or by other dimensions of inequality (e.g. sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation). Health is a fundamental human right. Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being.

Biology

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Diversity
The ASBMB strives to develop programs that support and increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology.
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) Diversity and Inclusion
As both a community and scientific society advancing genetics and genomics research, ASHG is committed to diversity and inclusion. Diverse perspectives strengthen our community and are vital to achieving ASHG’s vision that people everywhere realize the benefits of human genetics and genomics.
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
FASEB works with member societies to ensure a diverse and representative workforce in the biological and biomedical sciences. We believe a stronger, broader, and deeper talent pool drives success. Ensuring workplace diversity requires leadership, accountability, continuous self-reflection, and a long-term commitment. That’s our core mission, our vision, and our shared goal.

Chemistry

American Chemical Society (ACS) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect
ACS believes in the strength of diversity in all its forms, because inclusion of and respect for diverse people, experiences, and ideas lead to superior solutions to world challenges and advances chemistry as a global, multidisciplinary science.
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
The mission of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) is to build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their careers.

Computer Science and Computing

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Anyone, from any background, should feel encouraged to participate and contribute to ACM. Differences – in age, race, gender and sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability, thinking style and experience – bring richness to our efforts in providing quality programs and services for the global computing community. ACM is committed to creating an environment that welcomes new ideas and perspectives, and where hostility or other antisocial behaviors are not tolerated.
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
AWC is dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in the computing professions. Our members include many types of computer professionals, such as programmers, system analysts, operators, technical writers, Internet specialists, trainers and consultants. The purpose of AWC is to provide opportunities for professional growth through networking and through programs on technical and career-oriented topics.
Black Girls Code
We build pathways for young women of color to embrace the current tech marketplace as builders and creators by introducing them to skills in computer programming and technology.
The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)
NCWIT is the farthest-reaching network of change leaders focused on advancing innovation by correcting underrepresentation in computing.

Engineering

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of Indigenous peoples of North America and the Pacific Islands in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) studies and careers.
National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States. NSBE, founded in 1975, supports and promotes the aspirations of collegiate and pre-collegiate students and technical professionals in engineering and technology.
Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers
SASE is dedicated to the advancement of Asian heritage scientists and engineers in education and employment so that they can achieve their full career potential. In addition to professional development, SASE also encourages members to contribute to the enhancement of the communities in which they live.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
SHPE is the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in the STEM field. SHPE changes lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.
Society of Women Engineers
For more than seven decades, SWE has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. Our organization is centered around a passion for our members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties.

Physics

Institute of Physics (IOP) Diversity and Inclusion
Making the physics community more welcoming and supportive for people from all backgrounds. We want people from all backgrounds to make physics a satisfying career, whether in education, research, healthcare, industry or business.
American Physical Society (APS) Minorities in Physics
APS is committed to the inclusion of underrepresented minorities in physics and has spent decades working on programs to increase recruitment and retention of African American, Hispanic American, and Indigenous physicists.
American Physical Society (APS) Women in Physics
APS is committed to encouraging the recruitment, retention, and career development of women physicists at all levels
American Physical Society (APS) LGBT+ Physicists
Advise the APS on the current status of LGBT+ issues in physics, provide recommendations for greater inclusion, and engage physicists in laying the foundation for a more inclusive physics community. More specifically, the committee will investigate LGBT+ representation in physics, assess the educational and professional climate in physics, recommend changes in policies and practices that impact LGBT+ physicists, and address other issues that affect inclusion.

Mathematics

Association for Women in Mathematics
The purpose of the Association for Women in Mathematics is to create a community in which women and girls can thrive in their mathematical endeavors, and to promote equitable opportunity and treatment of women and others of marginalized genders and gender identities across the mathematical sciences.
American Mathematical Society (AMS) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
The American Mathematical Society recognizes the breadth of people, thought, and experience that contribute to mathematics. We value the contributions of all members of our mathematics community to improve mathematics research, education, and the standing of the mathematical sciences. We welcome everyone interested in mathematics as we work to build a community that is diverse, respectful, accessible, and inclusive.
Resources for Anti-Racism and Social Justice in the Mathematical Sciences
Visit this website to learn more about anti-racist and social justice materials in mathematics. Website includes links to resource guides, tutorials, organizations, and more.