Applications to the Faculty of Natural Sciences EDI Fund are now open. This is sponsored by the Associate Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity.  

This fund was launched in 2024 and aims to enable more staff or student driven EDI events or initiatives within the Faculty of Natural Sciences to build a more diverse and inclusive community. 

If you have any questions or queries or wish to apply to the FoNS EDI Fund, please reach out to Emma Mattin, fonsedandedi@imperial.ac.uk  

Prioritisation

We will prioritise the funding of bids via:

  • Alignment: with FoNS EDI goals
  • Impact: prioritisation will be given to initiatives that have an impact on a wider community (e.g. beyond an individuals group or department).
  • Sustainability: the likelihood of the initiative having a lasting impact
  • Innovation: preference will be given to innovative approaches that address EDI challenges within FoNS in new and effective ways, or that tackle a theme that isn't currently being addressed by Faculty EDI initiatives. 

Conditions

  • One application from an individual or group per year  
  • All funded initiatives will be required to provide a summary report of their initiative, outlining the outcomes and impact within one month of completion, as well as photographs and quotes from any funded event.  

Parameters of the Fund

  • Funding of up to £500 per application is available 
  • Funding is open to all staff and students within the Faculty of Natural Sciences

 

Application

To submit your application to the FoNS EDI Seed Fund, please complete the FoNS EDI Seed Fund Application Form and submit this to the Faculty Education and EDI Coordinator. 

2024-2025 Seed Fund Success Stories

LGBTQ+ Information Session and Celebration 
This Welcome Week event, hosted by the charity JustLikeUs, introduced Silwood Park students to LGBTQ+ terminology, inclusive language, and practical strategies for fostering inclusivity. With many international attendees, the session provided insights into creating a respectful and supportive environment, tailored to a diverse community.

This event established an inclusive tone for the academic year, equipping students with tools to engage respectfully. Feedback praised the session’s insights and personal touch. Future EDI activities, including a citizenship award scheme, will build on this foundation.

The STEM Village Immunology Conference 
The FoNS EDI Seed Fund provided travel grants to LGBTQ+ peers and allies requiring financial assistance to attend the STEM Village LGBTQ+ Immunology Symposium, enabling five researchers to participate in person. This support allowed three to present their work and all to benefit from networking opportunities.

The event featured 16 LGBTQ+ speakers, 36 posters, and sessions on queer history, activism, EDI, and research culture. Networking extended into a social event, fostering community connections.

Feedback praised the symposium’s inclusivity and impact, with many calling for its continuation. By celebrating diversity and promoting collaboration, the event advanced FoNS’ EDI goals and aims to build lasting networks of LGBTQ+ scientists to improve research culture.

EDI and Student Analytics - The Challenge of Small Numbers 

The FoNS EDI Seed Fund supported the introduction of a seminar series around the challenges of working with small numbers in EDI analytics, covering ethical, legal, and methodological issues. The seminar also fostered valuable networking between central and departmental teams.

Provocations from senior EDI and higher education leaders informed the seminar, raising awareness and positioning Imperial as a leader in this area. The topic was also presented at LSE the week before, attracting over 100 delegates.

The impact has extended beyond the seminar, influencing strategic planning, research proposals, and national reporting discussions. Further presentations at international conferences and upcoming events with the Russell Group and NERUPI show ongoing momentum. Future publications and research developments are planned, with feedback highlighting the event’s value in addressing small number challenges in reporting.

Pride Picnic in the Park 

The Summer Pride picnic brought together around 20 staff and postgraduate students for a joyful, informal gathering that strengthened connections and fostered a culture of inclusion. The event boosted the visibility of Imperial's commitment to diversity and wellbeing, creating a lasting impact beyond the event. 

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with calls for the event to become an ongoing tradition. This initiative exemplifies how targeted funding can nurture supportive communities and advance EDI across Imperial. 
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