June is Pride Month, an annual event celebrating LGBTQ+ communities around the globe. Pride Month marks years of struggle for civil rights and highlights the ongoing pursuit of equality for the LGBTQ+ community. It also recognises the accomplishments and influence of LGBTQ+ people around the world.
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion is at the heart of UKRI’s vision. As a key part of the UK research sector, UKRI aims to set a leading example for a more inclusive research landscape. By celebrating Pride Month , we show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and highlight experiences that demonstrate the need for equality in research. The value and significance of the LGBTQ+ community to research and innovation cannot be overlooked.
“For the UK to produce the best possible research and innovation, UKRI needs to champion a creative and dynamic system that enables everyone to develop their best ideas and achieve their full potential. That is why it is so important that we demonstrate our commitment to our LGBTQ+ communities and support Pride: I’m looking forward to the opportunity of hearing more people’s stories and learning from them.” - Isobel Stephen, UKRI Executive Director of Strategy, Performance and Engagement and executive sponsor of the UKRI Pride Network.
The UKRI's new Pride Network has provided a range of online activities via The Source to recognise and raise awareness of this important celebration. If you’d like to get involved with the Pride Network, please get in touch at PrideNetwork@ukri.org.
LGBTQ+ within STEM webinar available to view online
On Wednesday 9th June, Tristan Canfer, Chair of the UKRI Pride Network, and Dr Phil Carvil, HealthTec Cluster Manager in STFC, took part in a panel discussion to raise awareness of the importance of diversity within STEM. The webinar organised by the Manufacturing Technology Centre explored LGBTQ+ career experience within STEM and celebrate STEM role models from within the LGBTQ+ community. The event is available here.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash