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

In September 2024, we were delighted to receive one off, 1 year funding alongside BioImagingUK from BBSRC to specifically ‘Enhance Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion'. With support from the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS), the Institute of Physics (IoP), and other partners, this initiative highlighted our collective commitment to tackling underrepresentation by breaking down barriers and fostering more inclusive research communities.

This grant success underscored our shared dedication to equity and inclusion in science, aiming to enrich our network communities with diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise. 

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. In response to this two Women Presentation Skills Training workshops were delivered.
2. Socioeconomic Barriers for Undergraduates
   • Offering financial support and pre-sourced project opportunities through summer studentships for students from low-income backgrounds. In response to this, we delivered 14 summer 2025 studentship projects. 
3. Challenges for Parents and Carers
   • Launching a carers bursary scheme to support scientists with caregiving responsibilities in attending professional meetings. In response to this we supported 8 carers with support to attend conferences. ​