Training on inclusivity and cultural diversity in the ALICE Collaboration

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of inclusivity and cultural diversity training in the ALICE Collaboration at the LHC, highlighting survey findings on mental wellbeing and proposing initiatives to improve work environment and collaboration.

Contribution

It introduces training programs on inclusivity and cultural diversity tailored for ALICE, aiming to enhance wellbeing and productivity in a multicultural scientific environment.

Findings

Survey revealed concerning mental wellbeing issues among LHC researchers.

Stress factors related to environment and work practices contribute to unnecessary load.

Training initiatives are proposed to foster a welcoming and positive work environment.

Abstract

Large experimental Collaborations at the LHC (ALICE, ATLAS, CMS, and LHCb) bring together over 13,000 people from hundreds of institutes over the world. There are many (working) cultures inside these international Collaborations. It is important to acknowledge that cultural differences exist and manifest in our workspaces in various ways such as communication style, attitude and expectations, and ways to provide feedback on work, just to name a few examples. Various studies over the world have raised concerns on mental wellbeing of academics, especially PhD students. A survey on mental wellbeing was conducted among all major LHC Collaborations in 2023. The survey attracted a total of 404 replies ranging from students to experienced researchers. Although the number of responses is not small, it corresponds to only a few per cent of the whole LHC community, and hence we cannot be sure of how representative the sample is. However, this limited sample contained worrisome findings on wellbeing among LHC researchers. While moderate stress can enhance working performance and help in keeping deadlines, stress should remain in manageable level and one should take care of adequate recovery. However, there are some stress factors related to environment and ways we work that cause unnecessary load. In these proceedings, we will raise a few results on the LHC mental wellbeing survey and discuss trainings on inclusivity and cultural diversity in ALICE. These trainings aim to create a welcoming and positive work environment by strengthening the sense of community and commitment to the Collaboration. These, in turn, can have a positive impact both on wellbeing and productivity.