As researchers, we should all be able to take part in scholarly events knowing that we will be treated with respect, regardless of our background, identity, beliefs, or differences. Unfortunately, this does not always happen.
The DHST is committed to fostering scholarly environments in which harassment, discrimination, intimidation, and other forms of harmful behavior are not tolerated. For this reason, our 2024 Extraordinary General Assembly unanimously approved a Respectful Behavior Policy. The policy sets out the standards we expect at DHST-sponsored events and the procedures available when those standards are not met.
If you have experienced inappropriate behavior at a DHST event, or if you are unsure whether something that happened should be reported, you are welcome to contact any member of the DHST Ombudsteam. They are there to listen, offer guidance, and explain what forms of support or action may be available.
Presentation of the ombudsteam
Barbara Hof
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and will be attending the conference in Dunedin in person. Talk to me there in German, English, French or Spanish. I joined this team because I organized the DHST early career scholar workshop series this year; and I am someone who is easy to get in touch with and ask all kinds of questions confidentially. You can contact me at barbara@dhstweb.org
Che Jiang (蒋澈)
I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of History of Science at Tsinghua University in China, where I delve into the history of natural history. I believe that we, as historians of science, share a fundamental understanding of the importance of an inclusive and supportive academic environment. Should you ever need to discuss any concerns, I’m here for a confidential and non-judgmental conversation. I can speak and write in both English and Chinese. Feel free to reach me at che@dhstweb.org, and and I’m very flexible on how we connect—we can set up an online meeting, use instant messaging tools that work for both of us, or meet in person if it’s feasible.
Agathe Keller
I am a researcher with the CNRS in France. I am also an active trade-unionist (SNTRS-CGT). As such, I have followed and helped individuals and collectives in cases of moral harassement and sexual violence in scholarly settings—at times with the additional support of the lawyers of the AVFT L’union fait la force—but in inclusive, safe and considerate collectives! In any case, do not hesitate to contact me even if it is just to ask a question or to debrief an eerie exchange—to think about it together.
Minakshi Menon
I’m a Research Associate at the Department of Social Studies of Medicine at McGill University. I live in Montreal, which is foodie heaven. Right now, I’m completing a project on the Hortus Indicus Malabaricus, which takes me often to Kochi in Kerala, India, where I was born—great food there, too. As a racialized person who has been at the receiving end of discriminatory practices, I take issues of discrimination very seriously. Please do get in touch if I can be of help to you. You can contact me at minakshi@dhstweb.org
Don Opitz
Greetings! I care deeply about the personal safety and dignity of us all. With kindness and empathy, I am ready to listen to your concerns (in English or Spanish) about any uncomfortable situation you may have personally experienced or witnessed. Throughout my career as an historian of science, based at DePaul University in the USA, I have worked to cultivate and sustain a welcoming climate for all, particularly through my service in professional and community based initiatives that promote gender equity and inclusivity, and especially for members of our LGBTQ communities. You can contact me at don@dhstweb.org
Climério Silva Neto
I am a professor of history of science in Brazil and have previously served as ombudsman in my home institution. As a Black professor and the first in his family to access higher education, benefiting from affirmative action, I am committed to making academia a more welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Feel free to contact me in Portuguese, English, Russian, or Spanish. You can reach me at climerio@dhstweb.org
Mai Sugimoto
I’m a professor at Kansai University in Japan and I was an ombudsperson there for several years. As an Asian researcher and a mom of two little kids, I’ve been involved in creating an inclusive and participatory research community. I am on the Science Council of Japan’s Young Academy work-life balance initiative committee. I’ve also run discussions on respectful behavior policy at the History of Science Society of Japan. Feel free to talk to me or contact me in English or Japanese. You can contact me in person or send an email at mai@dhstweb.org or msgmt@kansai-u.ac.jp. If you would like to talk via Signal, let me know at the email first.