Launch of the BNA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board
Bringing together senior leaders and emerging voices from across academia, industry and the wider neuroscience ecosystem, the EDI Advisory Board reflects both the ambition and depth of experience required to embed equity, diversity and inclusion across the BNA’s work.
Why this matters
The BNA recognises that its mission to champion neuroscience across the UK can only be achieved through a sustained and strategic commitment to EDI. Significant disparities in representation, access and experience persist across the neuroscience landscape - in academia, clinical settings, industry and beyond.
The EDI Advisory Board has been established to provide the strategic leadership necessary to integrate EDI principles across the Association’s activities and to help foster an environment in which all neuroscientists can thrive, free from barriers.
Dr Arish Mudra Rakshasa-Loots, Chair of the EDI Advisory Board, said:
At a time when many organisations are quietly moving EDI initiatives to the shadows, I am delighted to see the BNA leadership standing strong in the Association’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The EDI Advisory Board is already off to the running start, having just completed the selection process for the sixth round of BNA Scholars. I am excited to lead this group in delivering bold experiments across the UK to make neuroscience more welcoming and inclusive for researchers from marginalised backgrounds.
Reflecting on the importance of the EDI Advisory Board, President of the BNA, Professor Narender Ramnani said:
It is a moment of great personal pride to see the EDI Advisory Board move from a priority of my presidency to a reality. This team has members who have track records in EDI, expertise, lived experience, and incredible energy and vision. Our mission is to change not just the BNA, but the entire discipline of neuroscience - ensuring it is truly open to everyone. I am deeply grateful to the members for accepting my invitation, and especially to Arish for agreeing to chair this vital work. Together, we are setting a new standard for our field.
Purpose
The overarching purpose of the BNA EDI Advisory Board is to ensure that the BNA - and the wider UK neuroscience community - is representative, welcoming and accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.
The Board will work systematically to identify and address barriers, helping to create a truly inclusive culture and practice within the Association and beyond.
Remit
The EDI Advisory Board will:
- Advise BNA Council and Committees on EDI priorities and actions
- Lead internal review and reflection to ensure best practice is embedded across BNA activities
- Identify gaps and sources of inequity within the national neuroscience research ecosystem and advocate for positive change
- Represent the BNA’s EDI interests and expertise externally, for instance with the Alba Network
- Evaluate and develop the BNA Scholars Programme to ensure sustainability and maximise impact
Governance and Membership
The Advisory Board comprises of eight members and aims to reflect balance across geography, gender, ethnicity, age and sector (academic, industrial and other relevant experience). The Board may also co-opt members with specific expertise or for time-limited working groups, including representatives from aligned national and international initiatives.
Current membership of the Advisory Board includes leaders in EDI and research culture practices from a diverse range of perspectives, including academia, industry, and learned societies. Details of EDI Advisory Board members may be found here.
Looking Ahead
The EDI Advisory Board will meet quarterly and provide regular updates to BNA Council and Committees, ensuring strong two-way communication between the BNA membership and governance structures.
Through this work, the BNA reaffirms its commitment to promoting equity of opportunity and supporting neuroscientists from all backgrounds to thrive across every sector in which neuroscience activity takes place.
