Although we are not able to directly measure usage by gender, we promote evidence-based although we promote evidence-based gender-sensitive strategies (and have observed increased use of those strategies) in the communities that we impact.

In addition to our commitment to inclusive design (see sections above), through their interactive nature, PhET simulations are shown to close the gender gap (https://bit.ly/3VhoXJg), and help to shift classroom norms toward more equitable teaching-learning practices (https://bit.ly/4mV0aX8). 

PhET is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in its team makeup, processes, and the resources we create. PhET is woman-led, with key leaders Executive Director Dr. Kathy Perkins, Director of Global Initiatives Dr. Rebecca Vieyra, Director of Research and Accessibility Dr. Emily Moore. The team is 41% women, and includes individuals of Asian, Latinx, Black, and White heritage; persons with disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD); a team of 5 individuals knowledgeable responsible for ensuring our simulations are accessible for those with learning and physical differences.

Our work is guided by our DEIB in STEM Education initiative (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/deib-in-stem-ed), launched in 2022, which formed an advisory board composed of PhET users across the spectrum–high school and university students and K-16 faculty–who co-developed the PhET Equity Framework and PhET’s DEIB in STEM Education Strategy with the wider PhET team.

Team members are based in communities where we work, including the U.S. and Canada, Latin America (Mexico, Colombia), Africa (Kenya, and Nigeria), Europe (Austria), and Oceania (Australia). Our work is supported by 90 members of our PhET Fellowship and PhET Instructor programs from 35 Latin American, African, and European countries. All members of our team are or have been classroom educators, with the exception of our developers and one project manager (who are deeply committed to education). As our project is open source from code creation to design and development, we routinely seek and receive feedback from educators and the developer community (see Scenery Stack; https://phet.colorado.edu/en/scenerystack-ose).

The PhET team benefits from a flexible, compassionate, and democratic leadership style, leaving room for team members to make creative contributions and leverage their skills and interests. As a project with the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET additionally complies with university hiring and personnel management policies.

We do not include AI in our product.