An intersectionality lens is needed to establish a global view of equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have become essential considerations in different academic fields in recent years, attracting an increasing number of voices and perspectives from different groups. There is a need for an intersectionality framework that is inclusive of both the local and global diversity of researchers. Here, we present an intersectionality framework called KLOB which structures barriers to academic success into four components: knowledge exchange (K), language (L), obligations (O), and biases (B), and thus helps to think about the cumulative effect of multiple barriers that individuals from different backgrounds encounter to succeed in academic activities such as scientific publishing, which is the primary currency of academic success in our current system. This framework highlights both local and global disparities in socioeconomic, linguistic, and discriminatory factors that determine the opportunity of individual researchers to succeed in academia. We emphasise that individual researchers have no control over most barriers they face because of where and how they were born. Implementing solutions to address barriers associated with KLOB requires a multiscale vision and initiatives that tackle local and global inequities.

Automated summary

Equity, diversity, and inclusion have become important considerations in various academic fields. The KLOB framework helps to understand the cumulative effect of multiple barriers individuals from different backgrounds face in academic activities, such as scientific publishing. It highlights local and global disparities in socioeconomic, linguistic, and discriminatory factors that determine researchers' opportunities for success in academia.