Examining Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Neuroscience Research
Networks: A Case Study of the AIMS-2-TRIALS Autism Research Consortium.
Abstract
The growing demand of better representation of people from marginalised
communities within the scientific workforce has recently started to
include neurodiversity, especially in projects and consortia
investigating neurodivergence. In line with this aim, this study
explores the diversity of the research workforce in the context of a
European autism neuroscience research consortium (AIMS-2-TRIALS). By
investigating potential power imbalances between researchers of
different backgrounds and at different career levels, we aim to
investigate the impact of such imbalances on career and mental health. A
survey was administered to AIMS-2-TRIALS researchers (including
students, early, mid, and advanced career levels), obtaining 124
complete respondents. While autistic researchers were present in this
sample (4% formally diagnosed, 19.23% self-identified), they were
under-represented in senior and clinical roles. Neuro-identity emerged
as the primary predictor of mental health conditions such as anxiety and
depression. Also, while researchers in the sample were mostly women
(74%), income was consistently lower in women. These findings emphasise
the need to consider underrepresentation of intersecting marginalised
identities within consortia like AIMS-2-TRIALS, and to redistribute
roles and resources. The recognition of mental health and socio-economic
challenges faced by neurodivergent and female researchers in this field
constitute a barrier to career progression that calls for recognition
and intervention.