Scientists struggle with sexism and racism: ‘We think these bias studies don’t apply to us’

Scientists pride themselves on objectivity — they deal in empirical methods, double-blind studies, data-driven conclusions. But when it comes to human bias, even the most rigorous researchers are vulnerable. At the Society for Neuroscience conference in Washington — attended by 30,000 brain scientists from around the world — Jo Handelsman presented the harsh realities faced by women and minorities in science.