Not as many are familiar with unconscious or implicit bias, the idea that someone can be unfair to others based on stereotypes that they hold without being consciously aware of them. According to the lab’s IDEAs in Action website, implicit bias is more prevalent than conscious bias and is essentially unavoidable due to our brains’ constant attempts to organize the world. Implicit biases are also often directly at odds with our consciously held values.

One way to better understand implicit bias is through the use of Implicit Association Tests (IATs). In June, dozens of members of the division took the IATs available at Project Implicit, focusing on associations between gender and science and between race and positive or negative connotations. Many reported being surprised that their results showed a stronger bias than they expected based on their conscious values.

Although awareness is one of the most important steps we can take in addressing implicit bias, in the division’s staff meetings we also discussed other ways to reduce or compensate for it. For example, replacing your stereotypes by actively seeking out counterexamples, fostering relationships with others who are not like you, and being extra attentive in situations where implicit bias can most influence you, such as being under deadlines, stress, or other pressures. Through personal education and discussions with others, we can all help make our world fairer through a better understanding of our biases. Some of the NSD staff have completed the 6-module UC training series on “Managing Implicit Bias.”

Recent DEI topics @ NSD Staff Meetings

September 22, 2020 Imposter Syndrome

September 8, 2020 Stereotype Threat

August 25, 2020 Townhall – “A Scientist’s Primer on Mental Health”

August 11, 2020 Asian and Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group

July 28, 2020 Upstander Behavior

July 14, 2020 Microaggressions

June 30, 2020 Implicit Bias Part 2: Taking Our Next Steps

June 16, 2020 Implicit Bias Part 1: Building Awareness

June 2, 2020 Utilizing LBNL Student Programs

May 19, 2020 NSD DEI Activities: A Year in Review

May 5, 2020 Understanding Bias and Its Impact on Assessing Performance

Luminary Card Recipients

To recognize their efforts in the area(s) of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability, the following people received a Luminary Card: Paul Barton, Chris Campbell, Glenda Fish, , Tenzing Joshi, Phil Novak, Eric Roman, Alan Poon, Maria Żurek.