Equity, diversity & inclusion

The UNSW Schools of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) and Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) provide safe, supportive and welcoming environments for all staff and students regardless of their race, culture, age, religion, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or gender identification. 

Our schools strongly support UNSW’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy and initiatives and work closely with and align our goals with those of the Faculty of Science Equity Diversity & Inclusion Working Group (SEDIWG). SEDIWG is committed to reducing barriers that impede EDI via initiatives that benefit staff and students. This group provides strategic direction and leadership in line with UNSW’s 2025 Strategy. The overall goal of the strategy is to support equitable education and an equitable workplace for all staff and students of UNSW. Learn more about EDI initiatives at the faculty level. 

School of BABS & BEES EDI Committee

The Schools of BABS and BEES have a combined EDI Committee that is co-chaired by: 

Dr Frances Byrne  (BABS) who serves as the School of BABS representative on the Faculty of Science EDI Working Group.

Professor Angela Moles  (BEES) who serves as School of BEES representative on the Faculty of Science EDI Working Group.

Our Vision

Our committee aspires to cultivate a safe and welcoming environment where the diverse voices of our students and staff can openly discuss ideas and issues related to EDI such as neurodiversity, support for students from low SES backgrounds, disability, gender equity, gendered violence, LGBTQIA+, and mental wellbeing.

What we do

We work with students and staff to co-develop and implement EDI initiatives and address EDI-related issues with the goal of creating a workplace, culture and environment that is safe and inclusive for all. We also serve as a conduit of information between our committee and the Faculty of Science EDI working group.

Examples of our roles and initiatives include:

• Raising EDI-issues from students and academics to the Faculty of Science EDI working group

• Hosting morning teas to engage with staff and students and raise awareness of EDI issues and campaigns  

• Invite speakers to School seminar series to discuss relevant topics (e.g., research with First Nations peoples) and to increase representation of diverse voices

• Working with students to support their education and learning experience at UNSW e.g., improving course accessibility 

Members of our committee

• Dr Frances Byrne (BABS) – Chair 
• Professor Angela Moles (BEES) – Chair
• Associate Professor Tatyana Chtanova (BABS) - interim Chair
• Dr Malgorzata Nakagawa-Lagisz (BEES)
• Hayley McManus (BABS/BEES)
• Dr Selene Fernandez Valverde (BABS)
• Aaron Saint-James (BABS – undergraduate)
• Alexandra Young (BABS – HDR)
• Dr Gee Chong Ling (BABS)
• Dr Sarah Bajan (BABS)
• Dr Michelle Allen (BEES, Women in Research Network representative)

Join us

We welcome members from all disciplinary and professional backgrounds

We encourage contributions from students and early career researchers 

We share ideas in a supportive and respectful environment

Everyone from the Schools of BABS and BEES are welcome to join our Committee or attend our meetings (in person or online)! Please send an email to: bees-explode@unsw.edu.au babs@unsw.edu.au  

How to raise an EDI-related issue

If you have any issues related to EDI that you would like to raise anonymously, please complete this form (optional: include your name and email if you would like us to follow up with you on the issue).