A researcher has travelled to Parliament to discuss improving representation in polar sciences.
Polar science is a pivotal tool in monitoring changes to the polar regions in order to protect their fragile ecosystems and therefore protect the planet as a whole. Despite estimates that 5% of the UK population are LGBT+, those who identify as LGBT+ only make up 2% of the polar science field. People with disabilities, global ethnic majority (GEM) and women are also underrepresented. To help improve representation, a Diversity in Polar Science Initiative was created by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Polar Regions Department.
Representatives from the FCDO, along with APPG members, MPs, Lords, and organisations including the British Antarctic Survey and Royal Geographical Society, attended the event to celebrate diversity and discuss initiatives for improvement.
As a passionate advocate for equality in geoscience research, in addition to being on the committee of the UK Polar Network, Dylan hopes the event will continue conversations and start to see positive change.
Science is about exploration and discovery, but you can’t do that successfully if you’re constantly concerned about whether you might belong.
It’s difficult too when you don’t see others like you in the same field, but that’s where our work comes in. Not only are we creating cultures that say it’s ok to be who you are, but by doing so we’re increasing the diversity of people who get involved in polar science.
Initiatives like Diversity in Polar Science and Polar Pride Day are excellent for visibility, and I look forward to championing the work in Plymouth and beyond.
Dylan Beard
PhD candidate in the Faculty of Science and Engineering
Faculty of Science and Engineering
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