{
  "id": 14198023,
  "title": "Why supporting international colleagues is everyone’s responsibility",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/why-supporting-international-colleagues-is-everyones-responsibility",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-13T12:00:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Physics World",
    "slug": "physics-world",
    "url": "https://physicsworld.com/a/why-supporting-international-colleagues-is-everyones-responsibility/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Supporting international colleagues in the research community is a responsibility that falls on everyone, from academia to industry. As international researchers face unique cultural, social, and financial challenges, institutions bear the responsibility for promoting inclusivity, while individuals must also contribute to creating a welcoming environment. At the BQIT workshop, a session on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) focused on the difficulties faced by international colleagues. Panelists, including Gosia Drewniok, Belinda Sharpe, and Marija Radulović, highlighted challenges such as navigating everyday tasks like furniture shopping or accessing healthcare in a new country. Additionally, social activities that involve alcohol or have strict dietary requirements can make some international colleagues uncomfortable, leading them to avoid speaking up about their needs. The panel emphasized that while integrating into a new culture can be challenging, individuals should not feel pressured to change their cultural core traditions or fit in. To foster a welcoming environment, suggestions included alcohol-free events, international and cultural events, and creating opportunities for colleagues to suggest their own events. Furthermore, understanding cultural differences in working hours and promoting a healthy work-life balance can also contribute to a more inclusive workplace. By addressing these challenges, we can create a positive change and promote a culture of shared responsibility.",
  "summary": "International members of the research community, from academia to industry, often face additional cultural, social and financial challenges compared with those working in their native countries. This is especially true in times of global uncertainty and rising anti-immigration sentiment. While institutions bear responsibility for promoting inclusivity and creating a positive environment for…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}