Vision Sciences Society Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The primary mission of the Vision Sciences Society is to promote progress in understanding vision by encouraging and facilitating the exchange of knowledge among vision scientists. We believe that the practice and progress of science are best when people with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds all contribute. We recognize the value of a professional society in creating community and professional identity in ways that go beyond what can be achieved in our home institutions.

VSS strives to nurture a diverse, international, and multicultural community. VSS realizes that barriers to inclusion still exist and are not always recognized by those who do not experience them directly. To the best of our ability we will try to break down any such barriers to entry into and participation within the VSS community. We aim to promote and protect the diversity of the VSS community in all its forms, including race, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, nationality and national origin, disability status, neurodiversity, age, political views, and sexual orientation.

VSS has formed a committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to work on specific steps to accomplish the goals outlined above.