To diversify the scientific workforce, postdoc recruitment needs a rethink

It’s been known for nearly half a century that the ‘chilly climate’ of science higher education can make some students of colour feel unwelcome1. Since then, the shortage of people from minority groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has captured public attention and research interest. Diversity initiatives seek to identify and equip under-represented students, and there is growing recognition that the academic environment itself needs reform.

Figures suggest there has been some progress. Between 2006 and 2016, the number of African Americans and Latinos who obtained doctoral...