Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The LMB is committed to being an inclusive organisation, drawing on the wealth of talent available from diverse backgrounds.

“At the LMB, we work hard to maintain a culture where everyone is treated fairly, with respect, and has opportunities to reach their full potential at all stages of their career. People are valued for their differences in thought, background, experience and perspective.”

Jan Löwe

LMB DIRECTOR

Colleagues engaged in diversity and inclusion initiatives. — (*Above left*) Speakers at the 2023 annual women scientist career stories event, co-hosted by CamAWiSE and the LMB. (*Middle*) A lab coat decorated in preparation for the 2024 Cambridge Pride event. (*Above right*) LMB’s EDI manager discussing event details with a colleague.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy

The LMB’s EDI strategy encourages the embedding of inclusion into all aspects of Institute life. Progress is overseen by the EDI Working Group, with membership from all levels of the LMB, and is supported by the Executive Committee of the LMB.

Women at the LMB

The LMB is committed to advancing women in research.

Priorities are to:

Increase the proportion of women in tenured Group Leader and other leadership roles.
Support women to progress their careers to the next level.
Support parents before, during and after family leave.
Hold regular talks and events focussed on women in science, including an ongoing series with the Cambridge Association of Women in Science (CamAWiSE).

Race Equality

The LMB is actively working to address the underrepresentation of Black heritage researchers in the life sciences through initiatives such as:

A Rising Talent Fellowship, which provides a training and development opportunity for scientists of Black heritage, with two postdoctoral positions available each year.
Membership of the MRC Black in Biomedical Research Advisory Group to shape and guide key projects and future race equality work.

We celebrate the diverse range of cultures at the LMB through:

Talks and events during Black History Month and Race Equality Week to raise awareness of race equality issues in science.
Marking occasions such as the Lunar New Year and other notable dates in the calendar.

LGBTQ+

The LMB supports members of its LGBTQ+ community and allies through:

Regular LGBTQ+ events, including coffee and cake gatherings to mark major awareness days.
Participation in Cambridge Pride, with staff marching in brightly decorated lab coats.
All-gender facilities are available across all LMB buildings.

LMB research team at Pride event wearing brightly decorated labcoats — LMB members at Cambridge Pride 2024.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, the LMB champions recruitment from the widest possible talent pool to encourage diverse approaches to scientific research by:

Ensuring inclusive recruitment, with interviews offered to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the position.
Making reasonable adjustments where possible for all LMB staff and job applicants.
Delivering training and awareness sessions to equip managers and other colleagues to better support neurodiverse colleagues.
Providing a range of facilities in the LMB building for those with disabilities, impairments and access needs.