The APPG on Diversity and Inclusion in STEM’s 2021 inquiry into the STEM workforce found that the sector is not representative of the UK population.  In 2019, 65% of the workforce were white men.  Women, disabled people and racially minoritised people were more likely to be excluded from the sector.   

Despite the fact that women make up approximately 47% of the workforce, only 27% of STEM workers are female (as of 2019). While this number represents a significant increase over the past (women in STEM accounted for only 8% of workers in 1970), there is still much work to be done to attain equity and equality. 

According to a 2022 report by STEM Learning, there is a clear negative correlation between socioeconomic disadvantage and less intensive engagement with GCSE science.  There is also substantial variation the pattern of science attainment across difference ethnic groups.    According to the most recent Advance HE annual engagement survey of more than 30,000 students, Black students are more likely to report high levels of engagement with their university degree course, and are more likely to take part in societies, and to volunteer than white students. Yet this engagement and talent at the beginning of the pipeline is not translating into a similar increase in black scientists, black mathematicians, and black engineers. 

This event will address the most pressing issues both in education and the workplace to improve diversity in STEM. The event will discuss the means of supporting women, disabled, racially minoritised and socioeconomically disadvantaged people  in STEM workplaces and building the talent pipeline as well as inspiring the next generation of leaders from all backgrounds.