Message from the Head of Department

The Physics Department stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We have all been moved by the very powerful message that Imperial College’s President, Alice Gast, has released on this issue and are proud to support and follow her strong leadership on tackling the many aspects of racial injustice that continue to impact our society.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of George Floyd and we will use this as a lens to refocus our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. We will make the Department a more welcoming environment for all minorities and marginalised groups: for Black people and all ethnic minorities, for women, for the LBGTQ+ community, for all of us. This begins with fully and actively supporting basic human rights for all people.

Over the coming weeks we will work to develop the Department's strategy for moving forward. We will ensure staff and students are trained in how to be better allies, we will train more Black STEM ambassadors in the Department and we will expand our existing outreach programmes for school leavers from the BAME community. Finally, we echo the President’s intention to listen to all members of our community. To that end, we have created a dedicated web form for our Department community to give us input, either anonymously or signed. 

Let's all work together to make the Imperial College Physics Department a more just and welcoming environment. 

Professor Michele K. Dougherty CBE FRS
Head of Department