<1 %
of principal investigators (PIs) across all subjects are Black
10 % less
average funding award for minority ethnic PIs (£320,000 vs £350,000 for White PIs)
£1.5m
The Royal Society of Chemistry’s initial investment over three years in a dedicated Race and Ethnicity Unit
Project Goals
"Create Inclusive and Supportive Spaces"
To establish safer, more inclusive, and visible environments for Black and minority ethnic undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as staff, by drawing on proven community-building models that support historically marginalised groups in academia. Through mentorship, networking, advocacy, and collaborative engagement, the initiative seeks to foster belonging, amplify underrepresented voices, and create meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and leadership within the chemical sciences.
"Advance Equity in Recruitment, Progression, and Representation"
To collaboratively address systemic barriers affecting access, progression, and retention in higher education through mentorship, internships, research placements, and meaningful partnership with students. The initiative seeks to create pathways of support that empower individuals from underrepresented and historically marginalised backgrounds to thrive within academia and the chemical sciences. Particular attention is given to intersectional challenges that may impact students differently across race, gender, socioeconomic background, disability, and other lived experiences.
"Transform Culture and Curriculum through Decolonisation and Best Practice"
To share and implement best practices in decolonising chemistry curricula, assessments, and research training through cross-institutional collaboration and active dialogue. The initiative actively promotes inclusive policy development, non-judgemental allyship, and community-centred approaches that directly support belonging and equity within the chemical sciences. By creating open, sustained forums for engagement, critical reflection, and shared learning, the project seeks to dismantle systemic barriers, empower underrepresented voices, and foster more inclusive, diverse, and culturally aware academic environments across all participating institutions.
About
This cross-institutional initiative brings together partners from a range of UK universities to drive meaningful, systemic change in the Chemical Sciences. With a particular focus on supporting Black and minority ethnic undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as staff, the project aims to reshape research culture through collaboration, representation, and inclusivity.
This initiative is not only timely — it’s necessary. By embedding marginalised voices at every level of the project, and sharing findings openly across institutions, the consortium seeks to reshape how Chemistry is taught, experienced, and lived
