Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment at the School of Chemistry
EDI at the School of Chemistry
The School of Chemistry is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion priorities which support UNSW: Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive 2026-2028 (the UNSW EDI Strategy) and the University’s Progress for All Strategy.
Our goal is to maintain a community where everyone is included, respected and able to thrive. We proactively work to identify and remove systemic barriers, improve belonging and representation for all, and make our teaching spaces, research workplaces, laboratories, events and digital content accessible and inclusive by design.
The School of Chemistry EDI and Culture Committee meets every two months to discuss issues and initiatives that matter to our community. We aim to ensure that we have an inclusive and supportive environment that enables all students and staff to reach their full potential.
Examples of initiatives within the School of Chemistry include:
- Access to free period products within the School
- Mentorship schemes
- Carer responsibility support for staff and students
- Networking events within the School
New initiatives are regularly added so please reach out to our representatives (details below) for the most up-to-date information.
Our representatives and EDI contacts
The School of Chemistry maintains an EDI and Culture committee chaired by Dr Martina Lessio.
If you’d like to raise any issues or have any questions relating to equity, diversity and inclusion within the School of Chemistry, please email Dr Martina Lessio.
The School of Chemistry also maintains an anonymous suggestion box on its intranet. This is a form for any non-urgent ideas, suggestions, observations, or concerns related to culture, community, belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the School of Chemistry. Please note that you may be asked to sign in so that you can access the intranet only; the suggestion box remains anonymous unless you choose to provide your details.
The Find an ally@UNSW webpage provides a list of people who have completed training to support LGBTQIA+ students and staff. UNSW Chemistry has over 10 people who have completed this training. You can seek support from any of the allies, should you require it.
Faculty EDI resources
UNSW Science has a range of resources, initiatives and events related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
Initiatives are targeted at all levels of the UNSW community, from prospective applicants (including Year 12 students), to current students and staff.
The UNSW Science EDI team can be contacted by email at Science.EDI@unsw.edu.au.
The University also maintains an EDI suggestion box which is a form for anyone who has any suggestions on how to improve equity, diversity and inclusion on campus. The form can be accessed without logging in and providing your details is optional. Please note that this is not an emergency service and submissions may not be immediately received.
If you need urgent support
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or a life is at risk:
- On-campus: call UNSW Security/Protective Services on 02 9385 6666
- Off-campus: call Triple Zero (000)
The School of Chemistry EDI contact is not an emergency or crisis-response service and may not be monitored outside normal working hours.
Students
Students needing urgent mental-health support can call UNSW Mental Health Connect on 02 9385 5418, available 24 hours a day throughout the year. After-hours text support is available on 0485 826 595 from 5 pm–9 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays.
Staff
UNSW staff seeking support should call UNSW's Employee Assistance Program provider Converge International on 1300 687 327.
This is the fastest way to access support and it's always best to phone if your matter is urgent. When you phone Converge International you will be able to make a face-to-face or phone or video call appointment. If your matter is urgent and you need to speak to someone straight away, you will be able to do so. The phone is answered 24/7.
Individuals affected by gendered violence
If you have experienced sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence or another form of gendered violence, visit the UNSW Gendered Violence Portal for specialist, confidential support and reporting options. This portal can be used by students, staff, supporters or anyone else affected by gendered violence.
For immediate telephone support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, available 24 hours.