Ten simple rules to host an inclusive conference

This editorial presents ten evidence-based rules for organizing inclusive conferences, drawing from the collective experience of organizing the 2021 useR! statistical computing conference during the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper addresses systemic inequalities in academic and technical conferences that have historically excluded participants from marginalized groups. The rules are organized into three categories: foundation rules (setting diversity vision, creating safe environments, building diverse organizing teams), design rules (counteracting bias, designing online components, ensuring accessibility, accommodating linguistic diversity, developing inclusive communication, and allocating financial resources), and continuity (making inclusion a long-term commitment). This collaborative work involved organizers from multiple continents and backgrounds, reflecting the global and inclusive nature of the conference they organized. The paper includes practical implementation strategies and serves as a comprehensive guide for future conference organizers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Recommended citation: Joo, R., Sánchez-Tapia, A., Mortara, S., Bellini Saibene, Y., Turner, H., Hug Peter, D., et al. (2022). "Ten simple rules to host an inclusive conference." PLOS Computational Biology. 18(7): e1010164.
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