STEMM Action Group
The NADSN STEMM Action Group is an active steering group within NADSN comprised of people with experience of disability, chronic illness, and/or neurodivergence, who work in and around the STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) disciplines.
Gayle Brewer
University of Liverpool
Yota Dimitriadi
University of Reading
Francesca Doddato
Lancaster University
Hamied A. Haroon
University of Manchester
Jasleen K. Jolly
Jolly Vision Science
Jennifer Leigh
Kent University
Martyn Mahaut-Smith
University of Leicester
Jennifer Remnant
University of Strathclyde
Julia P. Sarju
University of York
About us
Since its inception in 2020, members have worked to develop recommendations for funders, institutions, and disciplines to address barriers faced by those who are marginalised due to disability. The white paper has been the culmination of over 3 years of work and will provide guidance for employers, funders, and policy makers in order to increase inclusivity of people with neurodivergence, disability, and / or chronic illness in STEMM careers.
STEMM careers are enriched by people with the skills and ways of thinking that are brought by people who are neurodivergent or disabled so by excluding these groups due to systemic barriers, progress is stifled. The solutions we propose will ensure that science does not suffer by ensuring support structures are in place. We also call for recognition of intersectionality of barriers due to other protected characteristics with disability.
NADSN White Paper – Inclusive STEMM
Read or download the NADSN White Paper: Towards a Fully Inclusive Environment for Disabled People in STEMM:
If you need an alternative format, please contact uk.nadsn@gmail.com.
What next?
In order to keep the momentum for change up and ensure the recommendations from the white paper get implemented we will be launching several campaigns over the coming weeks so please check back here very regularly to see what action you can take.
Our first action is to show the government that disabled people are talented. Please use all your social media and bombard @DWPgovuk telling them what they would be missing if they continue to cut Access to Work! For example how many degrees do you have? What skills do you have? What have you achieved? How much tax do you pay?
Launch Event
On 31st March we successfully launched the white paper at The University of Strathclyde, hosted by Dr Jennifer Remnant. This was a chance to engage with the devolved governments, celebrate with our membership and other organisations. Below are some images from the event.
You can watch the full event below.
Impact and additional activities
Introduction to the documentary ‘Marginalisation in Science: Disability and Inclusion’ from ‘Kent Tonight’:
Kent Discovers: Marginalisation in Science: Disability and Inclusion.
Written Evidence for Parliamentary Review
National Association of Disabled Staff Networks Response to the Women and Equalities Committee Inquiry to scrutinise the implementation and further development of the National Disability Strategy. Written evidence accepted and published by the Women and Equalities Committee March 2023. (Ref: NDS0011)
Written evidence submitted by the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks STEM Working Group. Response Diversity and Inclusion in STEM. Written evidence accepted and published by the Science and Technology Committee January 2022 (Ref: DIV0017). Report published March 2023.
National Association of Disabled Staff Networks Response to the Public Accounts Committee Inquiry on Revising Health Assessments for Disability Benefits. Submitted June 2023. (Ref: OKC494623)
- Committee Report Revising health assessments for disability benefits.
- Evidence submitted by NADSN committees.
Oral Evidence for Parliamentary Review
Oral evidence on behalf of the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks at the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee Inquiry into Diversity and inclusion in STEM. Oral evidence presented April 2022 (HC903). Report published March 2023.