Broadening Participation Plan
We have the following plan to broaden participation:
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting. In the context of FSE, 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 multidisciplinary backgrounds. It is about recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to the table.
Inclusion is about creating an environment where all individuals feel welcomed, respected, and valued. It 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 these values, scientific events foster a more dynamic, equitable, and productive environment for all participants. FSE 2026 aims to operationalize this vision through the following actions.
Diversity of Committees
To promote fair participation and ensure that decisions reflect a wide range of perspectives, FSE prioritizes recruiting qualified individuals across genders, regions, research expertise, and backgrounds for the organizing committee, technical committees, and reviewer pool.
Diversity of Authors and Participants
To support fairness and counter unconscious bias, the FSE 2026 Research Papers Track employs a double-anonymous review process. To further amplify underrepresented voices (such as early-career researchers, women, and industry contributors), FSE 2026 includes numerous tracks and events designed to broaden participation and visibility.
Invited Speakers
Keynote speakers and panelists are selected to represent diverse groups and software engineering themes. FSE 2026 is committed to giving invited speakers visibility in ways that highlight diversity and inclusion.
Students and Early-Career Researchers at FSE
Early-career researchers are fundamental to sustaining a vibrant FSE community. Their inclusiveness is vital to ensure positive participation, support, and integration. The Doctoral Symposium, Student Research Competition, and New Faculty Symposium strongly support this mission and extend inclusiveness beyond career stage to other dimensions of diversity.
Industry Perspective at FSE
The Industry Track and Industry Mentoring Symposium facilitate exchange between academia and industry, supporting a welcoming environment for industrial participants and fostering collaboration across different knowledge-sharing cultures.
Women at FSE, Panel and Working Session on Diversity
FSE 2026 is committed to creating space for discussions on improving representation of women and other underrepresented groups in software engineering. Dedicated sessions will support knowledge exchange, best practices, networking, and potential mentoring opportunities that continue beyond the conference.
LGBTQ+ at FSE
FSE fosters a sense of community and inclusion to support LGBTQ+ professionals and create a welcoming, affirming networking environment.
Parents and Caregivers at FSE
FSE supports parents attending the conference by promoting awareness of ACM fellowships (ACM CAPS Program) and connecting attendees to local childcare services:
If you are traveling to FSE with your child, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chairs. While we can confirm the credibility of the services linked above, we do not offer discounts or assume responsibility for the services provided.
Feeling Safe at FSE
FSE 2026 is committed to fostering free exchange of ideas, dignity, mutual respect, and inclusiveness. All participants should feel safe and welcome across all conference spaces, including social media and other official communication channels. For more information, see the FSE 2026 Code of Conduct.
ACM Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Anyone from any background should feel encouraged to participate in ACM. Differences in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, physical ability, thinking style, and experience enrich ACM’s global mission.
ACM is committed to creating a welcoming environment where new ideas and perspectives are valued, and antisocial behaviors are not tolerated.
Learn more about ACM’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion activities and the mission of the ACM Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council.
Contacts
Please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Co-Chairs for more information:
- Mariam Barry, BNP Paribas, France
- Ronnie de Souza Santos, University of Calgary, Canada