Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Championing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in biomedical science
At the IBMS, we value the diversity of our membership and recognise the importance of having an inclusive working environment. By launching a working group to focus on Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), we hope to become increasingly proactive in promoting and celebrating difference within our profession.
Creating an inclusive environment where every member feels welcome will help to bring new perspectives, opportunities, approaches and ideas to the profession. Since 2017, the IBMS has used the Science Council Diversity and Inclusion Progression Framework to track its progress on diversity and inclusion.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group was set up in 2022 to help improve progress with the framework with National Council Member Tahmina Hussain as Chair and IBMS members from across the UK who are passionate about promoting the diversity of our membership.
"I decided to join the EDI Group to demonstrate to young women from ethnic minority backgrounds the opportunities they have in biomedical science"
Muneebah Jasa
Our Aims
The EDI Group aims to improve the IBMS position in relation to diversity and inclusion; and is an opportunity to successfully champion the diversity of our members to create an inclusive team-working ethos and to share ideas on how we can break down barriers and promote diversity in valuable ways.
It also aims to fulfil the IBMS' Vision, Mission and Values.
Our Policy
Read the IBMS EDI Policy for membership>>
Promoting the EDI values of our membership
Our campaigns include:
100 Years of Women in the IBMS
In 2022, the IBMS marked this centenary by running a campaign to celebrate the contributions female members have made to the IBMS and that currently 67% of IBMS members are women. By raising the profile of our female members, we aim to inspire future generations of female biomedical scientists.
#IBMSPride
Supporting our members to attend Pride events across the UK by sponsoring places on marches in Belfast, London and Manchester, whilst also providing resources for members to march at other events. By supporting Pride events, we promote the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people who are our members and work in the profession.
“I was once told that I would never get into healthcare because I'm gay. Marching as a profession allows others to see that it doesn't matter who you are or what you identify as - it shows that everyone will be welcomed and supported.”
Matthew Burdett
Black History Month
Every October, the IBMS has the chance to reflect on the positive role of diversity in shaping our field. We strive to give a voice to black biomedical scientists and raise awareness of the need to continue combatting discrimination in the profession.
“It is encouraging to see lots of work being done to create positive black experiences across the country, including from the IBMS. This helps reduce barriers and makes the journey a little smoother.”
Divine Azange
Monthly promotions
Ensuring that the IBMS covers a wide range of EDI topics, the group identifies diversity events to align with and promote through our social media channels, newsletters and in our membership magazine The Biomedical Scientist. Topics have included: (link to magazine articles)
- Women’s Health
- World Hijab Day
- World Hearing Day
- Autism Awareness
- Mental Health Awareness
- Men’s Health
- Breastfeeding at work
- Dyslexia Awareness
- Transgender Awareness
- World Aids Day
Improving accessibility in laboratories
By recognising members' calls for the IBMS to do more to raise awareness of disabilities, we aim to improve the visibility of our members with disabilities, carrying out more inclusive discussions.
A recent webinar on lab accessibility discussed the many issues disabled scientists faced in the workplace. It offered low-cost solutions to dramatically increase the humaneness of the work environment so that laboratories can benefit from the diversity and expertise of disabled scientists, who are rarely recruited.
Learn more & watch back the webinar here >>
Who we are
The IBMS EDI Group consists of IBMS members from across the UK and:
Lynda Rigby (Executive Head of Marketing and Membership
Sue Jones (Executive Head of Education)
EDI Lead: Tahmina Hussain – National Council Member
Deputy: Colin Mudd – East Midland Council Member.
How you can get involved
To find out more about the IBMS EDI Group and their work contact Lynda Rigby, Executive Head of Marketing and Membership at lyndarigby@ibms.org