Track: Innovation

Abstract

Inclusive research is conceptualized as systematic discovery that is valid, reliable, useful, and meaningful for either the broadest range of target groups or explicitly-identified target groups. Engineering design flaws continue to arise due to ethnocentric research practices, such as algorithms that fail to recognize darker skinned persons and ill-fitting safety belts derived from gender-biased data. Lack of inclusive and culturally-responsive research slows progress and advancements in science, computing and engineering, and in fact, could endanger certain intended users. We contend that collaboration with HBCUs may enhance other researchers’ inclusive research capabilities and minimize research flaws accounting for some of the problems of bias in research. As of 2017, there are 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the USA. Prospective collaborators may hold misconceptions about the quality and rigor of HBCU faculty and the research programs. There are opportunities for institutions in and outside of the USA to collaborate with HBCUs to leverage advanced HBCU faculty technical expertise and knowledge of inclusive and culturally-competent research. Yet, collaborations and equitable partnerships have not been growing as expected. We will discuss key concepts associated with equitable, fair, and ethical collaborations with HBCUs to support inclusive research.