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The @RoySocChem #Inclusion & #Diversity Forum is starting right now!!
We are told there are ~500 people registered from 54 countries!!
How awesome is that?!
We are told there are ~500 people registered from 54 countries!!
How awesome is that?!
The meeting has BSL translation by Janet Davies, and participants were asked at the beginning to agree to the rules of the forum, which center on creating a respectful and welcoming space for all.
These things matter.
These things matter.
@helenpain_RSC opens the forum by presenting the #Inclusion and #Diversity strategy which is central to the goals of the @RoySocChem for 2020-2025.
This year's event has a particular focus on race inequality, something 'we don't talk about enough', says @alepalermo_1. Several projects funded by the @RoySocChem's #Inclusion and #Diversity Fund are presented.
The projects include research into career progression for Black chemists, highlighting contributions of Black scientists, increasing representation and access to STEM for Black women and more.
@seis_matters is now starting a talk at @RoySocChem #Inclusion and #Diversity Forum titled
'Abseiling into an active volcano is easier than removing systematic racism from Academia'.
Could bet many people relate to that feeling...
@BlackInChem @AcademicChatter
'Abseiling into an active volcano is easier than removing systematic racism from Academia'.
Could bet many people relate to that feeling...
@BlackInChem @AcademicChatter
Ijeoma Uchegbu, @ucl's Provost Envoy for Race Equality, now on moving the needle on race inequality. Highlighting first the benefits of fostering diverse teams.
Highlighting also how income inequalities correlate to to worse health and social problems for all.
Highlighting also how income inequalities correlate to to worse health and social problems for all.
'A race equality strategy is needed across the whole education sector', in order to address race inequality in STEM, says Ijeoma Uchegbu at the @RoySocChem #Inclusion and #Diversity Forum. 
Robert Mokaya from @UniofNottingham now on 'Missing Elements'.
Presenting data from the @RoySocChem report showing the underrepresentation of Black chemists in the UK.
Less than 5 Black chemistry professors in the whole of the UK!! Robert asks himself, is he the only one?!
Presenting data from the @RoySocChem report showing the underrepresentation of Black chemists in the UK.
Less than 5 Black chemistry professors in the whole of the UK!!
Robert asks himself, is he the only one?!
'There must be thousands of others like me out there [willing and able to suceed in a career in chemistry] but the enabling support MUST be there', says Robert Mokaya. #BlackInChem
Yalinu Poya, from Papua New Guinea, tells us about 'Chemistry in the Pacific Islands'.
Giving us some insight into education development for a country that has not long been independent.
More infrastructure is needed to cater to the population.
Giving us some insight into education development for a country that has not long been independent.
More infrastructure is needed to cater to the population.
Awareness, exposure, an understanding of what chemistry is, what it does, how it can be applied, what problems it solves, all of this is needed for development of 'Chemistry in the Pacific', tells us Yalinu Poya.
We move to discussion and Marina Resmini asks Robert Mokaya about allyship.
'An ally is someone who recognizes potential and is there to encourage and be a friend.'
Marina adds that anybody can be an ally for anybody else.
Provided, I would add, they put the work in!
'An ally is someone who recognizes potential and is there to encourage and be a friend.'
Marina adds that anybody can be an ally for anybody else.
Provided, I would add, they put the work in!
Related to that, Yalinu Poya talks about how important it is to strike connections with people who will give you their time and active support, remember your name and mention it at key moments, and points you towards important opportunities and encourage you to take them.
There was much coming out of discussion from breakout rooms during the @RoySocChem #Inclusion and #Diversity Forum.
Hiring practices, acting on data, the need for the priviledged to put the work in, the need for true and useful allyship and mentorship, stood out.
Hiring practices, acting on data, the need for the priviledged to put the work in, the need for true and useful allyship and mentorship, stood out.
The importance of these discussions to the @RoySocChem, and their serious commitment to them, are highlighted by the fact that both the president and president-elect are engaging in these discussions.
People at all levels of the RSC are here. This is not a side thought.
People at all levels of the RSC are here. This is not a side thought.
@helenpain_RSC says she takes on board the challenge set by the audience for the @RoySocChem as an employer to increase their own diversity as an institution, including in their leadership. Change is only possible 'if we are willing to listen', she shares.
