Differences are part of evolution
Differences are part of evolution
The Diversity Committee of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint center of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), joins the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd.
The launch of the “Without diversity, there is no future” campaign aims to promote understanding of different realities related to functional diversity and to foster the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with functional diversity.
The initiative is part of actions promoted by the CSIC DEEP-MaX project, a program that fosters scientific excellence in CSIC research centers. The campaign features collaboration with artist Laura Fraile, combining art, design, and science to offer an evolutionary, scientific, and inclusive perspective on functional diversity.
The campaign responds to feedback collected at OpenPRBB 2024, during an activity led by Judit Sainz, Functional Diversity Coordinator of the IBE Diversity Committee and a deaf person. “During an activity where participants were asked to create a word cloud about what comes to mind when thinking of disability, I was particularly struck by the appearance of the phrase ‘genetic error,’” says Sainz, IBE administrator.
“When Judit shared this experience with us, as a research center in evolution, we felt called to action. We decided that IBE should contribute to the conversation by communicating key theses on diversity that underpin evolution,” adds Pilar Rodriguez, Head of IBE’s Communication and Outreach Unit and co-coordinator of the Diversity Committee.
Pilar Rodriguez, Judit Sainz, and Daniel Richter, IBE Diversity Committee
Differences are part of evolution
The Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE) is firmly committed to equality and diversity. Incorporating an evolutionary perspective into the understanding of functional diversity can help promote understanding, dignity, and respect for all people.
Although genetic differences between individuals are minimal —we are almost genetically identical— each person is unique, and every singularity is part of what makes us human. From an evolutionary biology perspective, just as in evolution, where variations drive change and adaptation, diversity strengthens us and opens up a world of possibilities.
“Genetic variability lies at the heart of evolution, and it is thanks to mutations that have occurred along lineages that evolution has been able to progress. Without diversity, there is no evolution,” says Daniel Richter, IBE principal investigator and co-coordinator of the Diversity Committee.
“To evolve means to recognize ourselves in all our forms and celebrating the differences that help us grow together.”
Without diversity, there is no future
The IBE campaign uses clay craftsmanship and Gaudí’s “trencadís” technique as symbols of diversity and human evolution. Through these elements, artist Laura Fraile has contributed a unique vase and a related graphic campaign.
“We created a water jug because it is an essential element in everyday life. A jug allows you to store water for later or bring it to someone in need. Its handle is ergonomic with an inclusive design,” says Rodriguez.
Photo of the jug of the IBE campaign
Just as human genetics is made up of thousands of singularities, the trencadís technique uses irregular fragments of ceramic and glass to create unique and colorful designs. Clay, meanwhile, is a pillar of cultural evolution. It was one of the first materials used to make crafts and has accompanied humanity to this day.
“Craftsmanship allows us to create objects that respond to diverse needs in a personalized way, and it has accompanied human evolution throughout history,” adds Fraile.
About the IBE Diversity Committee
The IBE Diversity Committee was created in 2015 to promote equality at IBE, in science, and in society. At IBE, we support diversity in all areas and actively work to increase it through specific actions, until now mainly focused on promoting gender balance.
Currently, the committee is implementing the center’s gender equality and diversity plan. In addition, work is underway on the next plan, which aims to understand and incorporate intersectionality into IBE’s diversity strategy.