The following statement reflects the views of the InterPore Executive Committee regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our community.

Why should InterPore—a scientific society focused on porous media—engage in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)? It is a fair and important question. InterPore is not a political organization, nor does it seek to advocate social policy on a global scale. Our mission, as clearly outlined in our Bylaws and on our website, is to serve and strengthen the porous media research community.

But that community is made up of people. Our mission is not just about science—it’s about scientists. To truly fulfill our purpose, we must be inclusive, equitable, and welcoming to all. Our strength depends on being open, inclusive, and welcoming to all. Our strength lies in our ability to serve as many porous media researchers and professionals as possible—potentially tens of thousands around the world. To do so, we must ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, race, age, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political views, or any other personal identity, feels genuinely valued and included in our society.

We must also recognize that systemic discrimination persists in many parts of the world. Women, for example, have been marginalized for millennia across many societies and cultures. This deep-rooted inequality stems from patriarchal systems, religious interpretations, legal constraints, and unequal access to education and opportunity. People of color have likewise faced —and continue to face—systemic barriers. As a professional society, we have a duty to confront and dismantle such hidden biases wherever they may persist in our own structures and activities.

Recognizing this responsibility, InterPore amended its Bylaws a few years ago to explicitly embrace diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in our core principles. We established a DEI Committee to examine our policies and practices and to propose improvements aligned with our DEI objectives. Additionally, InterPore embraced the creation of EquiPore Task Force by a group of young members to focus on practical actions that promote fairness, representation, and access across all InterPore activities.

An inclusive community is not only more just, but also more innovative, more resilient, and ultimately more successful. So, DEI is not a political stance—it is a commitment to fairness, quality, and excellence. Importantly, our commitment to DEI never comes at the expense of merit. If we extend a conference grant to a female student from a low- or middle-income country, it is because she is fully qualified and meets the selection criteria. The same principle applies to all grants, positions, and recognitions within InterPore.

It is equally important to emphasize that embracing DEI does not mean patronizing women, underrepresented minorities, or colleagues from less-advantaged regions. They all bring extraordinary strength, experience, and talent—and deserve equal opportunity and our full respect. What we must overcome are our own unconscious biases and outdated assumptions.

Finally, we acknowledge that building a truly inclusive and equitable community is a long-term effort. There are no quick fixes. It requires sustained, grassroots commitment to achieving our DEI goals.

InterPore remains firmly committed to advancing and safeguarding diversity, equity, and inclusiveness—not as a slogan, but as a guiding principle essential to the vitality and future of our community.