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STEMM Action Group

Driving Inclusion Across Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine

The STEMM Action Group is an active NADSN steering group made up of disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill professionals working across STEMM disciplines. It’s a space to turn lived experience into action to remove barriers and create more inclusive STEMM careers.

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Our Story

About the Group

Since 2020, members have worked collaboratively to identify challenges and develop recommendations for funders, institutions, and disciplines to improve accessibility and inclusion in STEMM careers.

This work recognises that:

STEMM fields are strengthened by diverse ways of thinking and working
Systemic barriers continue to exclude disabled and neurodivergent talent
Inclusion benefits not just individuals, but the progress of science itself

The group also highlights the importance of intersectionality, recognising that disability often overlaps with other protected characteristics.

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Landmark Publication

White Paper: Inclusive STEMM

The group created a white paper that is the culmination of more than three years of work.

Towards a Fully Inclusive Environment for Disabled People in STEMM

This landmark publication provides guidance for:

Employers
Funders
Policy makers

It contains clear, actionable recommendations to remove barriers and improve inclusion across STEMM careers.

Read the White Paper

Download Easy Read Version

For alternative formats, contact: uk.nadsn@gmail.com

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The White Paper

Events & Impact

The white paper was launched on 31st May at the University of Strathclyde, hosted by Dr. Jennifer Remnant. The event brought together stakeholders across academia, policy, and funding bodies.

Subsequent events, including collaboration with the Wellcome Trust, have focused on turning recommendations into real-world change.

The group’s work has contributed to:

National consultations and parliamentary inquiries
Sector-wide conversations on inclusion in STEMM
Media and research outputs highlighting systemic barriers

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Leadership

Prof Gayle Brewer

University of Liverpool
Contact
Prof Yota Dimitriadi

University of Reading
Contact
Dr. Francesca Doddato

Lancaster University
Contact
Dr. Hamied A. Haroon

University of Manchester
Contact
Dr. Jasleen K. Jolly

Jolly Vision Science
Contact
Dr. Jennifer Leigh

University of Kent
Contact
Prof Martyn Mahaut-Smith

University of Leicester
Contact
Dr. Jennifer Remnant

University of Strathclyde
Contact
Dr. Julia P. Sarju

University of York
Contact

Gallery

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.

watch the full event

Launch Event Items

Two people stand at a lectern in a university classroom with the University of Strathclyde logo visible on the lectern. One person is presenting, and the other is signing. Two large screens and a clock visible behind them.

Seven people, including one person using a wheelchair, smile and hold the NADSN STEMM Action Group White Paper. They are in a bright classroom setting with a large screen behind them.

A diverse panel of seven individuals sits at a long table in a conference room, engaged in discussion. A large screen behind shows a person using sign language interpretation. The atmosphere is professional and focused.

A classroom with approximately 24 people smiling. They seated at tables in rows facing the camera. Some snacks and drinks at the front table. The atmosphere is relaxed and focused, with light from large windows at the back of the classroom.

Two people are in a university classroom with two large screens displaying a video call behind them. One stands at a lectern; the other stands near a table and chairs. The University of Strathclyde logo is visible.

Gallery

Building Inclusion for Disabled Researchers in Science: Joint Event with Wellcome Trust September 2025

This event brought together voices across policy makers, funding bodies, learned societies, parliament, and the media, to build inclusion for disabled researchers in STEMM by brainstorming on how the white paper recommendations can be made into reality.

Watch the full event