News
Sussex scientists promote pride in STEM
By: Jessica Gowers
Last updated: Friday, 9 August 2019
A team of University of Sussex scientists brought family-friendly activities and games to this year’s Brighton Pride weekend from 3 to 4 August.
Staff and students from the Schools of Life Sciences, Psychology, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, ran a number of science-themed activities to promote and celebrate LGBT+ representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
Jelly titration, a dementia maze, DNA jenga, the big Lego bang and a probability puzzle were just some of the games on offer at their stand in the community village of the Preston Park site.
The team also promoted LGBT+ scientists who have contributed to significant historic discoveries and inventions, but who are often unheard of, through ‘Queer Inventions’ and the card game ‘Queer Quartets’, which was created by PhD researcher Dori Grijseels.
Beth Auld, a Biochemistry PhD researcher, said: “It was great to take part in Pride this year and demonstrate that science is not just for one type of person. It was really nice to speak to so many enthusiastic people and share with them the work of some amazing LGBT+ scientists!”
Brighton Pride is one of the UK’s biggest LGBT+ events, with thousands of people travelling to the city each year to take part.
It provided an excellent opportunity for the Sussex scientists to engage with visitors of all backgrounds and ages.
Dr Katy Petherick, School of Life Sciences Public Engagement Coordinator and co-chair of the school's Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee, said: “This year the University of Sussex STEM Schools have collaborated on a range of initiatives to raise the profile of LGBT+ scientists and their research. Attending Brighton Pride has been a great celebration of this work and enabled the public to experience science outside of its conventional spaces.”