Using web-based survey data collected June - August 2018 from the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) members, we characterized numerous dimensions of social identity and lived experience, and assessed relationships between these characteristics and perceptions of inclusion and society participation. We quantified associations between characteristics, feeling very welcomed, high (top 25th percentile) self-initiated participation, and any (top 10th percentile) society-initiated participation. Racial/ethnic and religious minority categories were blinded to preserve anonymity and we accounted for missing data. Most 2018 SER members (n = 1631) were white (62%) or female (66%). Females with racial/ethnic non-response were least likely, while white males were most likely to report feeling very welcomed. Members who did not report race, identified with a specific racial/ethnic minority, or were politically conservative/right-leaning were less likely than white or liberal/left-leaning members to have high self-initiated participation. Women and individuals of a specific racial/ethnic minority or minority religious affiliations were less likely to participate in events initiated by the society. These data represent a baseline for assessing trends and the impact of future initiatives aimed at improving diversity, inclusion, representation and participation within SER.

Diverse representation and inclusion are stated priorities for scientific institutions and professional societies, including the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER). Prior studies have reported persistent underrepresentation and exclusion of marginalized groups across the sciences. We conducted a representation and inclusion survey among SER affiliates in 2021, following up on a similar 2018 survey. In 2021, we observed broad representation from diverse groups across multiple dimensions. However, across both surveys we found persistent underrepresentation of several marginalized groups, including Black or African American and Hispanic/Latinx people. Some groups reported feeling excluded in both the 2018 and 2021 surveys, and there was disproportionately high representation from a subset of higher-ranked US academic institutions. For several indicators of inclusion, perceptions of inclusion were more positive among White respondents compared to other respondents. Opportunities to work towards achieving SER’s diversity and inclusion aims include increasing outreach to epidemiology trainees and Minority Serving Institutions, addressing cultural and financial barriers to participation, and improving access for epidemiologists with disabilities. Iterative follow-up work with diversity and inclusion scholars could improve our understanding of barriers to diversity and inclusion within SER and, more broadly, the field of epidemiology.

"The mission of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (D&I) in the Society for Epidemiologic Research is to foster the diversity of our membership and work towards the engagement of all members, from diverse backgrounds at all stages of their careers, in the Society's activities, with the intent of enhancing discovery in public health." As a foundational step in implementing our mission, the D&I Committee conducted a survey of SER membership. Here we report on the efforts we have undertaken to expand the diversity and inclusiveness of our Society and our aspirations for future efforts in support of D&I. Early on, we established the SERvisits program to conduct outreach to institutions and students that have historically been underrepresented at SER; we hope this program continues to grow in its reach and impact. We have also taken steps to increase the inclusiveness of SER activities, for example, by engaging members on issues of D&I through symposia and workshops at SER annual meetings and through social media. DeVilbiss et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(10):998-1010) have demonstrated that there is substantial room for improvement with regards to diversity and inclusion within SER. We invite SER members to become involved and collaborate on this long-term goal.