Breaking the barriers

Speaker: Professor Marina Resmini, Head of Chemistry Department, University of Queen Mary, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee

“Talented hard-working people should not be made to feel that they cannot progress in their field”. This is the opening statement by Robert Parker, RSC Chief Executive in a report published in 2018, presenting the results of a research project focusing on the lack of women’s retention and progression in the chemical sciences. The data collated and analysed identify key barriers for women’s career progression, uncover evidence of racial discrimination, harassment and bullying and provide a foundation for actions and pledges from the RSC, academia and industry. While the study focuses on the chemical sciences, the findings are of interest to everyone.

Professor Marina Resmini is a member of the RSC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee and was involved in this project. She will be presenting the work done by the RSC and provide some interesting points of view based on her personal experience as Head of Chemistry Department at Queen Mary University of London.