Stay You Boo

Ep 12// Diversity in STEM: the disappointing reality


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How exciting, we have our first ever guest! Emma (AKA p.h.days) is currently doing her PHD in molecular biology and is an absolute queen (go and listen to her podcast 'Persistently Hard Days' if you haven't already!) 
We're having a long old chat about the frustrating state of demographics in the STEM field. From socio-economic class, to race, to gender - there are numerous failings in the industry and it needs to change. We've all witnessed this inequality in some way, shape or form and also the detrimental impact it can have on individuals but also at higher levels. 
It's difficult to thrive when you have nobody who 'looks like you' in positions which you aspire to reach. When will it change?
The oppressor is not responsible for fixing the oppression. 
But unfortunately, it often falls to the minority groups to initiate these changes. 
If you're looking for more relatable people in your field, check instagram, or one of the organisations below:
Higher Education Race Action Group
BBSTEM - Black British professionals in STEM, a non profit organisation aiming to ncrease the representation of black individuals in STEM
ScienceGrrl - A grassroots organisation representing the female face of science in the UK, working to inform women in STEM policy at a national level.
STEMettes - An organisation running panel events, hackathons and exhibitions aimed at inspiring the next generation of women into STEM.
We haven't even begun to talk about disabilty, sexuality and numerous other realms of inequality, the list goes on. But we hope that it starts a conversation, you've got this, stay you boo xoxo
References:
https://www.sciencecentres.org.uk/resources/promoting-diversity-and-inclusion-stem-engagement/case-improving-diversity-stem/
https://www.britishscienceassociation.org/news/report-on-equity-in-stem-education-released?gclid=CjwKCAiA4rGCBhAQEiwAelVti5SlAMrYQtVO2A8fiQCzgOIKfQQbpKjSXKdPcJf5yC41MZ_z1afZTRoCNZ8QAvD_BwE
https://www.stemwomen.co.uk/blog/2021/01/women-in-stem-percentages-of-women-in-stem-statistics
https://www.bmj.com/content/352/bmj.i632
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-35641061#:~:text=The%20trust%20said%20that%20of,educates%207%25%20of%20the%20population.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19723-8
Music: Roadtrip by Slynk
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Stay You BooBy Megan Rigby and Sam Rossiter