THE ROYAL Society, representing the UK’s leading researchers, aims to increase the number of black scientists, particularly in research, by increasing grants.
A pilot scheme targeting raising the number of young black scientists in the area will provide significant funding to support cutting-edge research.
The scheme will offer:
* Up to £690,000 over four years to cover the Research Fellow’s salary and associated on-costs (at 80 per cent), directly allocated costs (at 80 per cent) and research expenses;
* Programme for training, mentoring and engagement to support career development;
* Provision for part-time working, maternity, paternity, adoptive or extended sick leave.
Professor Sir Adrian Smith, president of the Royal Society, stated that it was “unacceptable” – there simply weren’t enough black scientists in the UK.
The beneficiaries of the fellowships should be able to work at any of the country’s research institutions.
Additionally, it will mentor scientists and support professional networking.
One of the few prominent black scientists in the UK, Dr Mark Richards, who worked with the Royal Society to design the scheme, stated that even if there aren’t many fellowships available, it’s anticipated that they will have a significant impact.
“It will be five researchers each year who will be supported to establish their own research teams. And so the hope is that this will make a sustainable difference over time because these people will become role models and advocates for better representation”, he said.
If the fellowships are a success, according to the Royal Society, the pilot scheme may be expanded to include researchers from other underrepresented groups.
Each year, up to five fellowships will be given to scientists who are just beginning their research careers and have just received their Ph.Ds.
It is at this stage that figures by the Higher Education Statistics Agency analysed by the Royal Society show black researchers beginning to drop out.
“The Royal Society is concerned about the health of science in the UK. It depends on people and talent”, said Professor Sir Adrian Smith.
“And if there is clear evidence in the pipeline that talent is haemorrhaging, and we have the possibility of providing the practical support to remedy that, then it’s our duty to do so.”
Dr Yolanda Ohene, a black physicist, who is still in her early career, welcomed the initiative.
Black scientists expressed that they feel unsupported, overlooked for promotion, unfairly rejected for grant applications, and claimed there is systemic racism in the UK research system.
For more details: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/career-development-fellowship/
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