Towards Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive Science Collaborations: The Multimessenger Diversity Network

TL;DR

The paper introduces the Multimessenger Diversity Network (MDN), a collaborative effort to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in science research through shared knowledge and community engagement.

Contribution

It presents the structure, lessons learned, and outreach strategies of the MDN, a novel initiative applying multimessenger collaboration principles to EDI in science.

Findings

Increased awareness and engagement in EDI among participating collaborations.

Established a community of practice for diversity and inclusion in multimessenger science.

Provided a framework for expanding EDI efforts through shared resources.

Abstract

The Multimessenger Diversity Network (MDN), formed in 2018, extends the basic principle of multimessenger astronomy -- that working collaboratively with different approaches enhances understanding and enables previously impossible discoveries -- to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in science research collaborations. With support from the National Science Foundation INCLUDES program, the MDN focuses on increasing EDI by sharing knowledge, experiences, training, and resources among representatives from multimessenger science collaborations. Representatives to the MDN become engagement leads in their collaboration, extending the reach of the community of practice. An overview of the MDN structure, lessons learned, and how to join are presented.