British Science Association selected as the future host of EDIS

The British Science Association is delighted to announce that it is the new host for EDIS (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Science and Health), working in close partnership with the Francis Crick Institute and supported by the Wellcome Trust with funding for the next seven years.

EDIS is a unique coalition of organisations working to improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the science and health research sector. Originally established by the Francis Crick Institute, Wellcome, and GlaxoSmithKline, EDIS has already played an important role in this space, supporting and influencing practice on inclusive leadership, inclusive research and experimental design, and inclusive conferences and events.

This next phase for EDIS will focus on strengthening and growing the EDIS community and our collaboration, developing a compelling membership offer, and delivering the EDIS strategy, which has been co-produced with its members.

Hannah Russell, CEO of the British Science Association said:

“I’m delighted that the British Science Association has been selected as the new host for EDIS and to be working closely with our partners, the Francis Crick Institute and Wellcome.

“EDIS has already built a strong and valued network, and I’m looking forward to working with members and partners to further grow the community, share learnings and good practice across different types of organisations, and use our collective voice to drive meaningful progress on equity, diversity and inclusion across science and health.

“At the British Science Association our vision is of a future where science is more relevant, representative and connected to society. The aims of EDIS speak directly to this ambition and its work continues to be essential as barriers persist and are reinforced across the sector.”

Edith Heard, CEO of the Francis Crick Institute said:

“I am delighted that the EDIS coalition is now being led by the British Science Association and the Crick. The opportunity to co-lead EDIS reflects the strength of the Crick’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment – an integral part of conducting excellent science. By helping to define and advance inclusive leadership and inclusive research, we can play a significant role in shaping a fairer and more forward-looking sector. I look forward to working with EDIS and to the impact we will have through working together.”

Jimmy Volmink, Executive Director, Equity at Wellcome said:

“The transition of EDIS from Wellcome to the British Science Association in collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute marks an exciting new chapter. With a seven‑year £10 million grant, this move strengthens EDIS’s ability to drive sector‑wide change and ensure equity remains at the heart of how science is done, who it’s done by and who benefits. Wellcome is proud to support this next phase and delighted to see EDIS positioned for even greater impact and growth across the research and health landscape.”

Our first steps will be to engage with the EDIS members and to recruit a dedicated EDIS team. We will build on the work of EDIS by continuing to co-create plans for future activities and we have some initial ambitious plans to reinvigorate and grow the EDIS community and support an even more connected and collaborative approach to advancing inclusion in science.

Further updates and opportunities to get involved will be shared in the coming months.