Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent steps she has taken to improve the representation of black males in postdoctoral chemistry research.

DSIT funds chemistry research through UK Research and Innovation. UKRI’s action to address underrepresentation is guided by its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy and its council’s action plans which are published on its website: EDI strategy and action plans – UKRI.

In addition, in 2022 Research England and the Office for Students announced £8 million funding to 13 projects that will seek to widen participation in postgraduate research amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic students.

DSIT continues to work with UKRI and DfE to consider further steps to support access to and widen participation in the research system.