Biosciences for all
The RSB is committed to promoting inclusive, accessible and diverse participation in the life sciences.
We are developing a new strategy document to improve how we consider and promote diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. Some of our key ambitions in each area of our work can be found below.
#inspire
To create a bioscience environment that attracts and benefits from a variety of experiences, skills and qualities, the RSB will proactively promote equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in schools and higher education, in the workplace, in training and in biology activities for the general public.
- The Society will use its communication channels to highlight our values, supporting and voicing the needs of RSB members and the wider bioscience and STEM community.
- The Society will continue to create inclusive and accessible activities, with diverse representation among speakers, panels and in the audience at our events.
#influence
In its role as a professional and membership body, the RSB will encourage and advance inclusion and accessibility in its own practices and across the biosciences, including by championing, communicating and connecting leading practice among Member Organisations.
- The RSB aims to be a leader in this area for the sector and will publish a short, up-to-date statement of our intent and values relating to inclusion and diversity.
- The Society is setting up a diversity working group for Member Organisations to share best practice in diversity and inclusion in their activities.
#support
The Society wishes to see people of all backgrounds and circumstances have equal opportunities to flourish, succeed and contribute to the advancement of biological knowledge.
- We will continue to work towards ensuring that the membership of the Society reflects the diversity of the wider biosciences community, and to identify communities who are under-represented in the Society’s membership.
- Our ‘biosciences for all’ work and returners working group will build on earlier work that encourages a diversity of career paths.
#evolve
It is important that the governance of the RSB should represent the wider membership of the RSB and bioscience community, and that it works to encourage a life science sector that attracts and benefits from a variety of experiences, skills and qualities.
- Each of the RSB’s committees and special interest groups will appoint an ambassador for diversity and inclusion. They will be responsible for promoting and overseeing diversity and inclusion across the activities of their respective committees and identifying areas for improvement.
- We will begin reporting annually on key diversity and inclusion metrics from all areas of our work to the RSB Council.
The RSB is currently looking for case studies from its members for our #BiosciencesForAll initiative. Do you have a story to share from your career to encourage others or raise awareness of career barriers in the biosciences and how they could be overcome? If you have a story to share or would like more information about our work in this area contact Laura Marshall.
Related RSB News
RSB brings together 150 delegates for the first ever biosciences outreach and engagement symposium
Biology Week 2018: Bioscientists discuss inclusion and diversity at Policy Lates
‘People have found the strength to come out after reading other scientists’ stories’