Enhancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in BBSRC-Funded Networks

Introduction
We are excited to announce that the Physics of Life Network (PoLNET) and BioImagingUK have received funding through the BBSRC’s Enhancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in BBSRC-Funded Networks initiative.
With support from the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS), Institute of Physics (IoP), and other partners, this initiative aims to break down barriers and tackle underrepresentation in science. This funding is a collective effort to create more inclusive research communities, ensuring diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise are embraced.

Key Focus Areas of the Initiative
The initiative targets specific areas of underrepresentation and aims to make a tangible impact:

1. Gender Disparity in Conference Presentations
   • Providing tailored presentation skills training and coaching to help women scientists build confidence and reduce presentation anxiety.
2. Socioeconomic Barriers for Undergraduates
   • Offering financial support and pre-sourced project opportunities through summer studentships for students from low-income backgrounds.
3. Challenges for Parents and Carers
   • Launching a carers’ bursary scheme to support scientists with caregiving responsibilities in attending professional meetings.

Opportunities for Members of PoLNET and BioImagingUK Communities
As part of this grant, we are offering several opportunities for UK-based members of the Physics of Life and BioImagingUK networks:

• Presentation Skills Training
  • Open call for women who want to enhance their presentation skills through workshops and coaching sessions. Further details are below.
• Carers' Bursaries
  • 20 bursaries of up to £500 each will be offered to help scientists with caregiving responsibilities attend professional events.  Further details are below.
• 2025 EDI Undergraduate Bursary Scheme
  • Further details are provided below, but please note the deadline for this opportunity has now passed.

​Presentation Skills Coaching Program for Women

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a Presentation Skills Coaching Program aimed at empowering women in bioimaging and biophysics to excel in scientific presentations and conference talks. This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from UKRI-BBSRC, in partnership with PoLNET, BioImagingUK, RMS, and IoP.

About the Program
This specialised coaching program aims to address the gender gap in conference presentations by offering tailored training to boost confidence and help women advance their careers. Despite advancements in gender equality, women are still underrepresented in presenting at scientific conferences, and this program seeks to level the playing field.

What You’ll Gain

• Professional Presentation Coaching: Master techniques for effectively communicating complex scientific concepts.
• Personalized Feedback: Receive one-on-one coaching from an expert communicator.
• Supportive Community: Join a network of peers facing similar challenges and foster professional relationships.
• Career Development: Enhance your visibility and career opportunities.
• Ongoing Support: Join a dedicated Slack community for continued growth.

Program Details

• One-Day Workshop: Held at the IoP in London on 27 June or 10 July 2025.
• Individual Virtual Coaching: Personalized sessions tailored to your specific needs.
• Ongoing Community: Access a dedicated Slack workspace.
• Opportunity to Present: Present your work at future BioImagingUK or PoLNET events.
• Financial Support: Coverage for attending both the workshop and a subsequent network meeting.

Who Should Apply?
This program is open to women in bioimaging, biophysics, and related fields at any career stage (PhD students to established researchers) who:

• Want to improve their presentation skills.
• Have upcoming opportunities to present their research.
• Are committed to participating in both the workshop and follow-up activities.

How to Apply
To apply, complete the application form and submit the following:

1. CV (max 2 pages)
2. Abstract of current research (300 words max)
3. Letter of recommendation from a supervisor/colleague
4. Statement of expectations (500 words max)
5. Confirmation of financial support for external conference attendance

Apply Here for ​Presentation Skills Coaching Program for Women

Program Timeline

• Application Deadline: Friday 9th May 2025, 4pm UK time
• Notification of Acceptance: By Monday 12th May 2025
• Workshop Dates: Friday 27th June or Thursday 10th July 2025 at IoP, London
• Individual Coaching: Scheduled upon acceptance

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is this program only for women?
  Yes, this initiative specifically addresses the gender gap in scientific conference presentations.
• What if I can’t attend in person?
  In-person participation is preferred for maximum benefit, but virtual options may be discussed.
• Will my travel expenses be covered?
  Yes, travel and attendance costs for the workshop and network meeting will be reimbursed.
• Do I need to be a member of BioImagingUK or PoLNET?
  Yes, participants must sign up to one or both networks.
• I’m early in my career with limited presentation experience. Should I apply?
  Absolutely! This program is designed for researchers at all career stages.

To find out more, please contact: 
Dr Georgina Fletcher, BioImaging Network Manager 
📧 [email protected]

Carer's Bursaries

The carer's bursary is designed to support researchers with caring responsibilities, helping to reduce the barriers they may face in attending scientific meetings, conferences, or workshops.

Who Can Apply?
This bursary is open to members of the Physics of Life network and BioImaging UK communities who have caring responsibilities and require additional support to participate in academic events.

What Counts as a Caring Responsibility?
Caring responsibilities may include (but are not limited to):

• Children – Providing daily care, supervision, education, emotional support, and ensuring their health and safety.
• Elderly family members – Assisting with mobility, medical care, or companionship.
• Individuals with disabilities or illnesses – Offering personal care, managing medications, or coordinating access to essential services.
• Other dependents – This could include extended family or anyone in need of temporary or long-term care.

How to Apply
To apply for this bursary, please complete the Microsoft form located here: 
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sJUZK4kwCL 

Application deadlines
This is an open call and will remain active until September 2025 or until our funding is fully allocated (whichever comes first). 

To find out more, please contact:
Dr Karis Baker, Physics of Life Network Manager
📧 [email protected]

​2025 EDI Bursary Scheme

In January 2025, we launched the 2025 EDI Bursary Scheme to support students from low-income backgrounds. Up to 15 students will receive funding, including stipends and contributions to lab expenses, through summer studentships.
This bursary is linked to the GenerationResearch Program, which has successfully funded over 100 students in various technical and research projects.
Program Highlights

• For Students: A stipend (living wage equivalent) for up to 6 weeks.
• For Supervisors: A £500 consumables budget to support project-related expenses.

Note: The application period for these bursaries has now closed.