Championing inclusive terminology in ecology and evolution

The EEB Language Project: A community for collective conversation and action 

Amid a growing disciplinary commitment to inclusion in ecology and evolutionary biology (EEB), it is critical to consider how the use of scientific language can harm members of our research community. To unite those of us working to revise harmful terminology in EEB, we introduce our grassroots, collective initiative called “The EEB Language Project.” 

Get to know us:

The EEB Language Project is an initiative that aims to create a platform for compiling resources and bringing together scientists to understand the impact language can have on inclusion in EEB, and to identify terms that may warrant replacement or additional context for their use. For specific details on our current and future efforts, please see the About page.

On this website you will find:

Background information on the history of exclusion in EEB and the importance of the use of inclusive language in research, collaboration, teaching, and mentoring.

Information on project members can be found on the Team page and our current and future efforts on the About page.

A repository where harmful terms that have been identified by community members will be listed, along with context explaining why the terms are harmful, and suggestions for words or phrases to use as replacements. 

An anonymous form where additional harmful terms and their replacements can be submitted by the EEB community.

Information on ways to implement change at the individual, institutional, and community level and contact information of our initial team members so that community members can reach out with ideas and find ways to participate on the Call to Action / How to Get Involved page.

Resources on the use of inclusive language in EEB.