Congratulations to MBiol student Shian-Li Kelly-Williams, who has won Best Initiative in the University of Oxford’s Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) divisional Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) Awards.
Shian-Li has created a novel database for undergraduate students in Biology to share resources based on EDI-related content. Shian-Li developed this database based on feedback she had collected; that most students still desired more inclusion of EDI-related content in Biology lectures (e.g., highlighting representations from scientists of different backgrounds). Shian-Li researched and added a variety of resources, from books like 'Bitch' by Lucy Cooke (a discussion on the lack of female-inclusive research in Biology, both for species and scientists) to blogs highlighting scientists from different backgrounds currently working in the Biology department and beyond. She formulated the database to be as accessible to students as possible.
When presented to other students and staff, it was remarked that this database is "an excellent resource", accompanied by comments like "I could feel my interest for my subject creeping back in". It being run by students for students is significant, too, as it facilitates a community connection that Shian-Li hopes to become widespread across the entire Biology department.
Overall, this database has allowed students to engage with EDI on the Biology course in a way that was not possible previously. Shian-Li hopes this database will grow until a student's first thought in response to hearing "EDI" is: "That includes me, too."
To read more about the MPLS EDI Award winners, visit: https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-mpls/mpls-ed-i-initiatives/mpls-equality-diversity-and-inclusion-awards-2025
