Diversity and Inclusion Plan

Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting. In the context of ISSTA, this can include differences in race, gender, age, geographical representation, and abilities, such as people with hearing and visual impairments, as well as bringing underrepresented perspectives, such as those from industry or of a multidisciplinary nature. It’s about recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to the table.

Inclusion, on the other hand, is about creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued. It’s the practice of ensuring that diverse individuals can fully participate and contribute to the organization or community. Inclusion involves actively removing barriers and fostering a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources.

Diversity and inclusion are crucial at scientific conferences for several reasons, including broader perspectives, enhanced collaboration, increased engagement, and representation. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, scientific conferences can create a more dynamic, equitable, and productive environment for all participants. To promote diversity and inclusion, ISSTA 2025 aims for the following multitude of actions.

Diversity of Committees

To promote fair participation and ensure that decisions about the conference program reflect a wide range of perspectives and experiences, ISSTA pays attention to recruiting qualified members of the organization committee, members of technical committees, and reviewers to compose a diverse team in regard to a variety of attributes (e.g., gender, geography, and research expertise).

Diversity of Authors and Participants

In order to ensure the fairness of the reviewing process and mitigate unconscious biases against underrepresented groups in the community, the ISSTA 2025 Research Papers Track employs a double-anonymous review process, where reviewers do not know the identity of authors. Besides, to amplify the voices of the underrepresented communities (such as early-career researchers, industry representatives, women), ISSTA 2025 in collaboration with FSE 2025 hosts numerous tracks and events detailed below.

Students and Early-Career Researchers at ISSTA

Early-career researchers are of fundamental importance to sustaining a vibrant ISSTA community. Inclusiveness of this community is vital to ensure participation, uplifting, and integration of people at the start of their career. The Doctoral Symposium, and New Faculty Symposium are committed to support this vision, extending their inclusiveness also in other dimensions of diversity besides career stage.

Diversity and Inclusion at ISSTA

ISSTA 2025 is committed to creating a space to exchange ideas on improving the representation of women and other underrepresented groups within software engineering communities and institutions. Two dedicated spaces (Inclusive Software & Interactive Networking, DEI lunch) will provide an opportunity for anybody interested in the matter to come together, share ideas, best practices, and follow up with a coffee/meal. The goal is to facilitate networking and open for mentoring connections that can be strengthened during the conference and sustained after the conference ends. Moreover ISSTA 2025 will be supported for travel grants by Sigsoft CAPS program.

Parents and Caregivers at ISSTA

ISSTA commits to supporting parents who bring their children to the conference by raising awareness about resources, such as ACM childcare grants https://www2.sigsoft.org/caps/capsmain/ and linking to local services such as:

• https://www.sitly.no/en/babysitter/trondheim

• https://www.babysits.no/barnevakt/trondheim/

• https://www.care.com/no-no/profiler/barnepass/trondheim

If you are traveling to ISSTA with your child, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Chair, and we will try to support you as much as we can. Note that while we can confirm the credibility of the linked services, we do not offer discounts or take responsibility for the services.

Feeling Safe at ISSTA

A primary goal of ISSTA 2025 is to foster the open exchange of ideas and the freedom of thought and expression among researchers. Achieving this requires an environment that recognizes the inherent worth of every individual and group; fosters dignity, understanding, and mutual respect; and embraces diversity. Therefore, ISSTA 2025 is dedicated to providing an inclusive harassment-free experience for all the participants, both at our events and within official communications channels, including social media. For more information, see the ISSTA 2025 Code of Conduct.

ACM Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Anyone, from any background, should feel encouraged to participate and contribute to ACM. Differences – in age, race, gender and sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability, thinking style and experience – bring richness to our efforts in providing quality programs and services for the global computing community.

ACM is committed to creating an environment that welcomes new ideas and perspectives, and where hostility or other antisocial behaviors are not tolerated.

Learn more about ACM Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities and the mission and commitment of the ACM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.

Contacts

Please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Chair for more information or any related inquiry:

• Salijona Dyrmishi, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg