1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 From: Michael Cassidy <michael.cassidy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Dear all, The Volcanic & Magmatic Studies Group (VMSG - https://vmsg.org.uk/) aims to provide a supportive environment where all in the community are welcome and valued. We are keen to promote balance in terms of gender, ethnicity, religion, geography, location, physical ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background & others. Nevertheless, we recognise that practice in encouraging diversity is not yet good enough in our community, and as our contribution to the Black Lives Matters movement, we will convene a series of web-based discussion panels. These will acknowledge: (i) The historical construction of inequalities in our research field globally (*Origins*) (ii) Learn about the barriers to inclusion (*The problem today*) (iii) Co-create a manifesto for tangible actions for VMSG moving forwards (*The Future*). With these discussion panels we need to â??do workâ?? to understand how we are part of the problem, and consider how VMSG can be part of the solution. Where we ask for contributions from community members from ethnic minorities in the UK or colleagues from overseas, we will acknowledge and amplify that effort. These three discussion panels will each last around 90 minutes. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ · *Discussion Panel 1: 20th July 2020, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (BST, GMT+1)* *Origins: understanding the impacts of historical inequalities in research undertaken by the Volcanic & Magmatic Studies Group community.* *Sign up here:* https://forms.gle/dbsYubdowb3gHcBS8 Our five invited panellists (*) will explore the historical construction of inequalities in accessing research, the benefits gained from resources overseas (volcanological, mineralogical, petrological and geochemical) and how we might avoid â??parachuteâ??(**) science in the wake of these privileges. After introductory plenaries from our panel (~1 hour) we will use the virtual format to gather discussion topics and questions from all participants and together consider how future practice in research might improve benefits for vulnerable communities and scientists in the countries where we work. (*) Panellists: Jazmin Scarlett, University of Newcastle; Elisa Sevilla, Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Kathryn Goodenough, British Geological Survey; Matthieu Kervyn, Vrije Universitiet, Brussels; Richie Robertson, University of the West Indies. Chaired by Jenni Barclay (UEA, UK) (**) parachute science: where we do research or fieldwork without involvement or acknowledgement of local scientific or non-scientific expertise. See: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-problem-of-colonial-science/ for an example in Conservation There are a limited number of places available to attend this event. Information to join the virtual event will be emailed to you closer to the time. This event will last 90 minutes *(1 hour introduction from the panellists, followed by 30 minutes of discussion*). We look forward to seeing you there! VMSG committee 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 ------------------------------
