Diversity, equity and inclusion in autophagy research

Over the past several years, I have been interacting with an increasing number of Iranian scientists, including those currently living in Iran as well as others who are being educated elsewhere or have independent positions outside of that country. In all circumstances, the resulting collaborations have extended my own knowledge and allowed me to contribute to papers on a variety of topics that are outside my specific area of expertise, including xenophagy, nanoparticles, cardiac disease and cancer. As the editor-in-chief of this journal, one of my goals is to be as inclusive as possible, encouraging scientists from around the world to engage in autophagy-related research, and to heighten awareness of this work with an aim toward a more complete understanding of the basic process, and to aid in progress toward the modulation of autophagy for medical applications. For this reason, I have been extremely dismayed by the actions of the current government in Iran, which have led to attacks on scientists and students, and in particular to policies that encourage the repression of women. Although we still have not achieved full equality for women in the United States of America, I think we are slowly moving in a positive direction. It is my sincere hope that the lives and aspirations of women around the world can continue to improve so that this half of our population can fully contribute to the scientific enterprise.