ARVO Statement on Diversity and Open Scientific Exchange

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the world's largest community of eye and vision researchers, is committed to diversity and open scientific exchange.

Science is at its best when scientists work collaboratively without restrictions or limitations. ARVO advocates for open and honest exchange among scientists regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age and free from national or international constraints.

As an international organization, ARVO believes that for society to derive the maximum benefits from science, it is essential that all scientists freely engage with the global scientific community. We support our members in this by creating opportunities for researchers to come together to discuss topics of mutual interest and by building networks by which they can communicate. It is incumbent upon ARVO to play a proactive role ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives have a place in all forms of scientific exchange. Promoting global interactions between scientists, and the diversity that is gained therein, is critical to achieving our mission of advancing the understanding of the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.