International
Forum On
Research
Excellence
IFoRE ‘22—Science Convergence in an inclusive & Diverse World
The inaugural International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) took place November 3–6, 2022 in Alexandria, Virginia at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The four-day hybrid conference showcased Key Thoughts from scientists, engineers, students, artists, and supporters of science worldwide through discussions and demonstrations of excellence in the research enterprise.
The theme for IFoRE ‘22 was Science Convergence in an Inclusive & Diverse World. Attendees took part in a variety of multi-track sessions that explored the strength of scientific research when diverse minds converge, as well as Key Thoughts that addressed the challenges of increasing equity & inclusion in the research community.
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Convergence research is at the forefront of research opportunities coming out of a number of federal agencies. The National Science Foundation (NSF) named the growth of convergence science as one of its 10 Big Ideas. When defined, convergence research has similarities with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, but convergence research takes things even further. How does it differ from the standard idea of interdisciplinary research? The IFoRE program features researchers who have mastered convergence research. Learn more about this emerging research approach at IFoRE.
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Multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and convergence research are some of the most predominant research approaches requested by funding opportunities. The terms can seem interchangeable because of their vague and similar definitions. However, the approaches do have subtle differences that are important when it comes to responding to funding opportunities. Learn more at IFoRE.
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At the heart of the current momentum for convergence is the realization that social, physical, and natural sciences can each benefit from being more fully integrated into the intellectual milieu of the other. Interdisciplinary research has led to convergence research, which goes beyond the integration of disciplines to merge fields that have not historically worked together while adding the component of societal impact. Learn more at IFoRE.
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Diversity is about differences, equity is about providing equal access, and inclusion is about fostering a sense of value and empowerment at your institution and in your lab. It’s important to create an environment where all three cultural elements are encouraged and achieved. Learn more at IFoRE.
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Establishing an inclusive environment in the workplace cultivates a space where employees feel both accepted and at their most productive and engaged. Full inclusion of diverse communities will result in better, more innovative, and transformative science and engineering, as well as a better, more decent and just society. Learn how to achieve these goals at IFoRE.
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Diversity is what you have; inclusion is what you do with it. Inequities across a variety of social dimensions such as discrimination, harassment, explicit and implicit biases, differential access issues and historical and systemic racism reduce inclusivity and contribute to outcome disparities. Eliminating inequities is just a starting point for creating an inclusive environment. Learn how to create an inclusive environment at your institution at IFoRE.
Convergence
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
SIGMA XI is The World’s Largest Multidisciplinary Scientific Honor Society.
Our mission is to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition. Sigma Xi chapters can be found at colleges and universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. The International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE), powered by Sigma Xi, is a four day event for both members and non-members to celebrate excellence in research.
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