AGU LANDInG launches virtual Community of Practice

We are excited to announce the launch of the AGU LANDInG Community of Practice (CoP), a free, open-access, virtual platform offering resources and tools for learning, networking, and building momentum that fosters diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and belonging across the geosciences. We encourage you to register for the AGU LANDInG CoP for free today at connect.agu.org/landingcop/.

The AGU LANDInG CoP initiative addresses an urgent need for a centralized community dedicated to DEI discussion and networking within the geosciences and for the geosciences. At launch, the site will include a rich library of curated DEI resources and interest groups, along with topic-based discussion threads facilitated by community ambassadors who are thought leaders in STEM.

Live webinars and workshops will be offered regularly within the CoP to further support members’ interests and professional development. Dr. Kuheli Dutt, the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will deliver the CoP’s first webinar on Wednesday, 23 March at 12-1 p.m. ET. Her presentation will kick off a series of CoP webinars on inclusive science, which will feature a diverse line-up of researchers, administrators and DEI specialists.

Like all communities of practice, the AGU LANDInG CoP is designed to grow and evolve in support of community members’ needs over time. Additional tools are in development to increase the value of the community to its members, including a curated DEI Journey tool to support members who want to dig deeper and explore specific DEI topics.

AGU’s strategic plan sets out to support and exemplify a scientific culture where individuals from all backgrounds are equitably included. The plan recognizes that welcoming the participation of underrepresented groups is not just an issue of ethics — it produces better research. A diverse and inclusive scientific culture is essential for addressing the scientific and societal challenges that face our planet and humanity. Beyond ethics and scientific outcomes, practicing equity and inclusion is the right thing to do.

Led by AGU and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, AGU LANDInG (Leadership Academy and Network for Diversity and Inclusion in the Geosciences) seeks to develop a sustainable network of DEI champions through formal and informal professional development and networking initiatives.

These initiatives offer paths for scientists at any career stage to learn about DEI, to develop skills to champion DEI strategies and solutions, and to promote meaningful culture change within and beyond their own institutions.

To learn more about other AGU LANDInG initiatives, including the AGU LANDInG Academy and AGU LANDInG PRFP, visit our program website: www.agu.org/AGU-LANDInG. A full list of AGU LANDInG CoP ambassadors can be found here.