Tagged With: equality
An LGBT+ champion: Professor Ben Barres, one of the first transgender neuroscientists
The first international day for LGBTQ+ scientists in STEM aims to be a celebration of diversity in science. Organised by Pride in STEM, House of STEM, InterEngineering and oSTEM, the day is the first of its kind to celebrate the LGBT+ community across all the sciences. The important goal of the organisers and supporters – … Continue reading
Athena SWAN applications: Turning data into action
The importance of data in preparing an Athena SWAN application was one of the key messages to the delegates at our Athena SWAN workshop, held in March. Our speakers all agreed on the importance of obtaining good diversity data – both quantitative and qualitative – as a basis for any departmental or institutional Athena SWAN … Continue reading
Here’s to Hypatia: the world’s first female superstar scientist
By Tom Ireland MRSB, editor of The Biologist and managing editor at the Royal Society of Biology. Today is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day for celebrating the contributions of women to scientific progress and for inspiring girls to consider careers in STEM subjects. It’s a day to celebrate the great female scientists … Continue reading
Diversity in Science: creating an inclusive environment
By Gabriele Butkute AMRSB, science policy officer at the Royal Society of Biology and the Biochemical Society The Royal Society’s Annual Diversity Conference, ‘Diversity Matters – the road to inclusivity’ provided an uplifting environment to learn about initiatives in a range of workplaces. Meeting representatives from across the science sector, including from education and government, … Continue reading
Targeting Unconscious Bias
By Josephine Hellberg, MRC policy intern at the Royal Society of Biology Every time we meet someone, our brains are busy categorising our impressions. However, many of these categorisations make use of cognitive shortcuts that rely on cultural expectations and past experiences and are therefore vulnerable to prejudice and stereotyping. As a result, we might … Continue reading
Coming out in STEM
by Gabriele Butkute, science policy assistant at the Royal Society of Biology and the Biochemical Society. “I don’t mind people who are gay; I just don’t want that flaunted in my face”. That’s what Fran Cowling, one of the panel members at The Royal Society’s event, Out in STEM was once told. While unfortunately similar … Continue reading
Tackling the underrepresentation of women in science
By Dr Zenobia Lewis, Senior Lecturer and Co-Chair for University of Liverpool Institute of Learning and Teaching Athena SWAN Team As many in the Higher Education community are aware, the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) Athena Swan Charter has been a driving force supporting women in science in the UK for the past decade. The Charter … Continue reading
What does a scientist look like?
By Dr Catherine Ball, science policy advisor at the Society of Biology and Biochemical Society If I asked you to think of a ‘typical scientist’ what would you imagine? It is a sad truth that, although we have come a long way, stereotypes can still dominate. As a policy advisor, part of my work focuses … Continue reading
Diverse initiatives to promote diversity in science, engineering and maths: Part 1
By Paul Richards, BBSRC Policy Fellow at the Society of Biology Tomorrow, Parliamentary Links Day will bring together policy makers and representatives from the STEM community for talks and discussions about ‘science and diversity’. The run-up to Links Day presents a timely opportunity to highlight some of the excellent initiatives aimed at promoting greater equality … Continue reading