28/10/2026
The RSB acknowledges the importance of diversity at all learning and career stages to ensure equal opportunities and create an inclusive environment that welcomes, attracts, and benefits people from a variety of experiences, skills, qualities, and perspectives. We wish to see people of all backgrounds and circumstances have equal opportunities to flourish, succeed, and contribute to the advancement of biological knowledge.
For Black History Month UK, RSB members and Member Organisations reflect below on this year's theme of 'Honouring our Communities', looking at how everyday contributions help to shape a more inclusive and equitable bioscience sector.
Boatemaa Ofori-Frimpong PhD MRSB is a Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University: "Throughout my career, I have benefitted from the support of mentors, colleagues, educators, professional organisations, and community networks that encouraged me to pursue opportunities and overcome challenges. Honouring our communities means recognising those contributions and acknowledging the collective effort behind individual achievements."
Dani Wijesinghe is the British Neuroscience Association (BNA)'s Membership & Communities Manager: "At the BNA, we work to address the underrepresentation of neuroscientists from Black and other groups as they approach more senior roles. Each year, our Scholars Programme supports seven young neuroscientists from underrepresented backgrounds through three years of dedicated mentoring, networking, funding, and training, giving them the tools, confidence, and community they need to put down roots and thrive."
Naana Owusu-Amoah is a BNA Scholar: “The Programme has been a huge benefit to me as I have been figuring out what career path I want to take. I have had so many opportunities to speak to people in different industries and gain wisdom from people who are further along in their careers. I've also had multiple opportunities to go to and present at prestigious conferences, building connections with some of the smartest people in Europe."
Thank you all for your contributions.
