Editors’ Vox is a blog from AGU’s Publications Department.
The advancement of the Earth and space sciences relies not only on groundbreaking discoveries but also on a research ecosystem that is fair, inclusive, and representative of diverse perspectives. Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the geosciences, AGU Publications has established the DEIA Reviewer Board (DRB) to ensure rigorous and informed peer review of submissions addressing social issues in the geosciences.
Board members will serve as reviewers across AGU’s 24 scientific journals, assisting editors when specialized DEIA expertise is needed. Members agree to review at least two submissions per year and may also suggest additional reviewers, advise AGU Publications on DEIA-related publishing strategies, and contribute to expanding AGU’s DEIA-focused special collections.
Here we announce the inaugural members of the DRB:
Caitlin N. Callahan (she/her), Geology Department, Grand Valley State University
Julie Sexton (she/her), Independent Consultant, Science Education Research and DEI
Kathleen Johnson (she/her), Department of Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine
Kay McMonigal (he/him or they/them), College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Leah Turner (she/her), CUAHSI
Melissa Kerr Chiovenda (she/her), AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow; Founder and Researcher, Ereuna Research and Consulting LLC
Shruti Sardeshmukh, University of South Australia
Susan J. Cheng (she/her), Affiliate in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan
Thomas Jones (he/him), Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK
Vernon Morris (he/him), College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences and School of Earth and Space Exploration, Arizona State University
History and Purpose of the Board
The DRB was created to provide additional expertise on topics related to DEIA within the Earth and space sciences. Submissions in this area often incorporate social science theories and methodologies, and on topics where AGU journal editorial boards may require specialized expertise. The increase in submissions on the intersections of geoscience, humanities, and the social sciences prompted AGU to create guidelines for authors on planning and writing these types of contributions.
Many of the contributions we’ve received on this topic are included in the special collection on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Topics include (but are not limited to) the experience and participation of underrepresented groups in the geoscience research process; successful strategies, programs, and initiatives to engage and support underrepresented geoscientists; cooperative research and co-creation of knowledge with local communities; transdisciplinary issues connecting the humanities and sciences; personal perspectives and reflections highlighting challenges and barriers for underrepresented geoscientists and suggested solutions, and Indigenous geoscience.
To help review these papers beyond the traditional geoscience topics, we created a reviewer board with expertise spanning social sciences, public health, higher education, justice, human rights, and other relevant fields. The members support editors in reviewing (or identifying other qualified reviewers) and ensuring that relevant submissions receive knowledgeable and constructive peer review evaluations.
The recruitment for the Board was done via an open call and the final selection of ten board members was based on their expertise in DEIA-related issues and their ability to provide high-quality reviews. This process was overseen by the AGU Publications DEIA Subcommittee.
Looking Ahead
With the DEIA Reviewer Board in place, AGU Publications is taking a significant step toward embedding equity and inclusion within the peer-review and publication process and into the content we publish. By publishing on these important topics, AGU continues to support a thriving community of Earth and space scientists dedicated to advancing knowledge for the benefit of all.
—Mia Ricci (mricci@agu.org, 0000-0002-8789-0565 ), American Geophysical Union; and Paige Wooden (pwooden@agu.org, 0000-0001-5104-8440), American Geophysical Union
Citation: Ricci, M., and P. Wooden (2025), Announcing the AGU Publications DEIA Reviewer Board, Eos, 106,https://doi.org/10.1029/2025EO255011. Published on 19 March 2025.
This article does not represent the opinion of AGU, Eos, or any of its affiliates. It is solely the opinion of the author(s).
Text © 2025. The authors. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
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