At LMS, we value inclusivity and diversity, and are striving to create a workplace where all voices are heard, valued and respected. To foster a supportive environment for Black colleagues and communities, we’ve collated some essential tips for being a good ally from a range of verified sources.
1. Listen and Learn
Take time to understand the experiences of colleagues. Engage with conversations. Ask questions and pause for clarifications when needed. Strive to ake sure everyone feels heard and included. You can find more information about active listening here;
Learn how to be a better listener
We can always learn more about issues that affect our Black colleagues. Here are a range of resources from podcasts to books and talks that have been highly rated. equity in science.
Books by Black Authors
Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race. The national bestseller by Renni Eddo-Lodge. The bestseller about race relations in the UK and the intersectional challenges people of colour are faced with.
Apple Podcast: Black in Science: This podcast is centered around sharing the stories of Black men and women working or studying in the sciences. Each episode features a one-on-one interview in which the guest answers series of questions detailing their background, accomplishments and the lessons they’ve learned throughout their journey in the sciences.
Nature: How UK science is failing Black researchers — in nine stark charts: This Nature article curated the data shown on our posters from a range of sources, laying bare the size of the challenges facing us to bring equity to science.
Black Scientists – Tackling Racism in UK Science & Technology: This event was produced by the Foundation for Science and Technology in 2022 and explores a number of questions relating the black scientists and researchers. What is the nature and scale of the problem? What is the lived experience of black scientists in the UK? What actions are already being taken to address the issues? What more needs to be done? The speakers were: Dr Alejandra Palermo FRSC, Head of Global Inclusion, Royal Society of Chemistry Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu. Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, University College London Sigourney Bonner, Co-Founder of Black in Cancer and PhD Student, Cancer Research UK Dr Karen Salt, Deputy Director for Research Culture & Environment, UKRI It was chaired by friend of the LMS, Pallab Ghosh, BBC Science Correspondent
2. Speak up
We can be better allies by building a speak-up culture and encouraging people to raise concerns and voice opinions without fear. We can challenge biases and stereotypes if we encounter them. Our voices matters in creating an inclusive environment. Find out more about building a Speak-Up culture here:
Speak-Up Culture: Why It Matters and How to Build It
3. Collaborate
We can collaborate on projects that highlight Black history, culture and contributions to science. We can actively seek out Black colleagues for leadership and senior roles in projects or events. We can recruit and include Black scientists in research projects. Inclusive science is a better science.
4. Stay Engaged
Our conversations should not end with Black History Month! Look out for upcoming events and initiatives throughout the year that celebrate diversity in science.
24th October 2024 – Celebrating You by Black Women in Science (BWiS)
Celebrating You is an opportunity created to celebrate Black women in Science and/or science-related fields. Held during Black History Month, this event is back to champion the lives and successes of past, present and future Black women in the Sciences. There will be time to network, socialise and celebrate the achievements of both yourself and other Black women in science.
Black British Professionals in STEM
“BBSTEM is a non-profit organisation campaigning for balance and representation of Black individuals in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).”
- They aim to encourage, enable, and energise individuals in business, industry, and education to widen participation and contribution of Black individuals in STEM.
- Their professional network of BBSTEM members aims to inspire the young Black British generation to pursue STEM subjects in university and beyond.
- Their principal mission is to have Black parity in the UK’s STEM workforce, from school to the highest level in industry.
Black Medical Scientific Network
BMSC brings together black professionals in the medical and scientific sectors across the globe to gather, grow and evolve to be the best they can and celebrate their significant contributions in this sector.
