Starting the conversation on decolonising fire science

Working group

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Embedding EDI and social justice into the culture of the Centre — not just talking about it, but walking the walk.

Introduction

This group was set up in November 2021 with the aim of embedding EDI and social justice into the culture of the Centre, and to be an integral part of the way we do things at all levels. Our motive – to help contribute to making a fairer, more just and equitable society.

The WG focus includes how we work with each other on a day-to-day basis (such as meetings and workshops, and providing support to our members), how we do our research (e.g. exploring decolonising environmental science), and our outreach and communications (including recruitment).

Working in communication with the EDI teams in our partner organisations, the WG aims to develop changes from small, individual actions, to larger programmes and initiatives.

All Centre members, including affiliates, are very welcome to be involved, whether to just listen, add views and ideas, or lead or help with an EDI project. Please contact Adriana Ford at a.ford@imperial.ac.uk.

EDI activities in the Centre

What we have done so far

Effective EDI requires both introspection and tangible actions. Here is an overview of the activities we have taken in the Centre to date.

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Visiting Researchers

We are actively supportive in hosting and providing financial support for visiting researchers from low and middle-income countries. In May 2024, we welcomed visiting researcher Candice Charlton from University of West Indies, providing full funding for a 3 week visit, to support researcher mobility, knowledge exchange and to scope future collaboration opportunities, which has already led to one grant application.

Decolonising Fire Science

We have been running a series of events and actions on decolonising fire science.

International Bursaries

We provide bursaries to support international participation in our events, so that cost is not a barrier to taking part in the Centre’s conferences and workshops.

Undergraduate Research Placements

We provide funding for up to two Undergraduate Research Opportunity Placements at Imperial to carry out wildfires research each year. We particularly encourage applications by Black students, as well as from individuals who are members of current and historically underrepresented groups.

International Women’s Day

To celebrate International Women’s Day 2022, we spoke to 15 women in the Centre about their research, the challenges they’ve faced, and advice to women wanting to pursue a career in science.

Generating Genius

In 2020 we partnered with charity Generating Genius, engaging students from African and Caribbean backgrounds in a virtual wildfire challenge.