Statement Against Racism and in Favour of Inclusiveness and Diversity

The Executive Council of IUPAP takes a strong stand against Racism and in favor of Inclusiveness and Diversity

In view of the ongoing global events triggered by the brutal killing of George Floyd at hands of the police in the US, the Executive Council of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) reaffirms its strong stand against all forms of racism and discrimination. Sadly, the practice of science is itself not immune from both subtle and overt forms of discrimination and intimidation. The actions of the IUPAP are guided by the principle of the Universality of Science which is fundamental for scientific progress. We actively uphold this principle which requires equal access to education, resources, and advancement for all without any discrimination on the basis of such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, gender, or age. 

We firmly believe that without exception, all people are equally capable of pursuing scientific excellence, and hence deserve equal opportunity as a basic human right. Giving them that opportunity will also advance science itself

Unfortunately, equitable access to higher education is yet to be realized.  Large social groups remain hugely under-represented as is clearly reflected in the composition of the various structures within the STEM community. The STEM community must deeply reflect and debate how to diversify its composition and then take appropriate actions to implement those changes.  Society requires nothing less of us. The Executive Council of IUPAP, being deeply committed to increasing diversity in physics, will participate in this reflection and debate, and in the definition of the actions that could make the practice of science more human and inclusive. Our strong commitment to searching for a lasting solution to these societal challenges is based on the IUPAP mission “to assist in the worldwide development of physics, to foster international cooperation in physics, and to help in the application of physics toward solving problems of concern to humanity”.