Although science prides itself on objectivity, the reality is that scientists are humans with their own biases (conscious or not), which inevitably influence the research they conduct. Bias is introduced into life sciences research at every stage of the process – from who is conducting the research, to the design of the experiment, analysis of the data and the interpretation of the results. Over time, the life sciences have become laden with non-inclusive research practices and as a result much of our scientific knowledge has been based on observations of the familiar White man.

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‘Inclusive Research Practices’ was a series of online events taking a closer look at biased and exclusionary practices in life sciences research and how we can overcome these issues to achieve equitable and representative science. The series considered four key aspects of life sciences research: basic research, working with human participants, data science and the environmental impact of research. 

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Each event was 1.5 hours long and began with a 15-minute introduction and interactive activity to encourage attendees to actively engage with the topic at hand. There were then 2 speakers, each giving a 20-minute presentation followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

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To view the talks, please click on the links below. You are encouraged to watch as many events in the series as possible, regardless of your own research focus or methods. 

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Talk Details

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Inclusive Basic Research

Wednesday 9th June 14:00 - 15:30 

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Speakers

Dr Simone Badal | University of the West Indies

Dr Natasha Karp | Astra Zeneca

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to view the recording click here

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Inclusive Data Science

Thursday 17th June 14:00 - 16:00

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Speakers

Dr Anjali Mazumder | The Alan Turing Institute

Alex Hepburn | University of Bristol

Dr Malvika Sharan | The Alan Turing Institute

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Inclusive Human Participant Research

Wednesday 23rd June 13:00 - 14:30 

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Speakers

Pollyanna Sheehan| University of Bristol

Arnelle Etienne | Precision Neuroscopics

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to view the recording click here

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Environmental Impact of Research

Wednesday 30th June 13:00 - 14:30

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Martin Farley | UCL/ King's College London

Chathurika Akurugoda | University of Colombo

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to view the recording click here