The Inclusion in Schools programme works with all subjects to improve progression for underrepresented groups, a key focus of many science departments. If we want to engage students in our subject, it’s useful to start considering the role models they see. Are they inspired by them? Can they relate to them? Do they represent the society they live in? Can they see themselves in them?
Often the scientists represented are white, male and from privileged backgrounds: they were usually the only ones who could access education. There are a few notable exceptions (Marie Curie!), but we need to show our students that in today's society science is open to everyone from every background. We need to link their learning to careers (Gatsby Benchmark 4) to make it relevant to them. This is not just a case of changing images on slides, which risks being tokenistic, but instead about sharing stories of people who do science and the incredible range of opportunities science offers.
We have some amazing scientists to start you off, and to make life a bit easier for you, check out the spreadsheet included in the download to match them to relevant curriculum areas.