Research on Tap: Broadening Participation in Computing (2023)
Co-sponsored by the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, Diversity & Inclusion, and the Office of Research
Broadening participation of historically underrepresented groups in computing and data sciences is an imperative recognized by leaders of academic institutions, industry, and the government. Related efforts aim to ensure that the research, solutions, and benefits emerging from these disciplines are equitably distributed and the field benefits from the talents, creativity, and perspectives of our nation’s diverse citizenry.
As part of these ongoing efforts, the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) is now requiring that principal investigators submitting proposals to CISE research programs develop plans for broadening participation in computing. These plans should include meaningful actions to address the longstanding underrepresentation of various populations, including women, people from racial and ethnic minority groups (Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander), and persons with disabilities in computing and closely related disciplines.
Given this opportunity, alongside BU’s own commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion, the Office of Research is collaborating with the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences and BU Diversity & Inclusion to host a Research on Tap that will highlight research and programs at BU that address the issue of broadening participation in computing, as well as the potential impacts of not addressing these disparities. You will hear from researchers and practitioners working to increase engagement at all stages of the education and workforce pipeline and those studying the impacts of inequities produced as a result of lack of diverse participation in these sectors. View event agenda and slides.
Featuring: Azer Bestavros and Ziba Cranmer (hosts) | Cynthia Brossman | Cliff Freeman | Hailey Gordon | Junia Janvier | Reggie Jean | Shateva Long | Eli Tucker Raymond | Will Tomlinson | Paul Trunfio | Emily Walton
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This National Science Foundation (NSF) effort was launched in July 2017 via a Dear Colleague Letter. It was informed by prior recommendations of the CISE Advisory Committee and built upon CISE’s long history of support for broadening participation in the computing field.
Today, CISE principal investigators are required to include meaningful Broadening Participation in Computing plans in proposals submitted to a subset of CISE’s research programs. They can involve a wide range of activities, such as:
- Professional development opportunities aimed at providing more inclusive environments
- Programs that build awareness, inclusion, and engagement, or outreach to groups underrepresented at all levels in computing (K-12, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate).
The intended impact of this event is to catalyze an effort to create a University-wide broadening participation plan focused on addressing the longstanding underrepresentation of women, individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, and persons with disabilities in the computing field, to submit to the NSFNational Science Foundation’s CISE Directorate.