Equity, diversity & inclusion
UNSW School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences provides a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for all staff and students regardless of their race, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identification. Our school strongly supports UNSW’s Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy and initiatives.
The Equity Diversity & Inclusion Working Group of UNSW Science is committed to reducing barriers that impede EDI via initiatives that benefit staff and students. This group provides strategic direction and leadership in line with UNSW’s 2025 Strategy. The overall goal of the strategy is to support an equitable workplace for all staff and students of UNSW. Learn more about our EDI initiatives at faculty level.
Our representatives
Associate Professor Adriana Verges is the UNSW Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences representative member of the UNSW Science EDI Working Group.
At the school level, we sit on an EDI committee with the UNSW School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences. Adriana co-chairs the committee with Associate Professor Brendan Burns.
Science & Engineering Indigenous Pre-Program
UNSW runs the Science and Engineering Indigenous Pre-Program in collaboration with Nura Gili. This pre-program offers an opportunity for Indigenous students looking to explore and apply for entry into an undergraduate degree.
LGBTQI+ Inclusion Program
In addition to our school and faculty EDI initiatives, the LGBTIQ+ Inclusion program aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for staff, students and visitors. Part of this program is the Ally Network, which helps train staff on how to reduce barriers of fear and ignorance that lead to prejudice and discrimination.
Our newsletter
For a monthly summary of the latest research and information on EDI matters relevant to science, subscribe to ExpEDIte: The Science Equity Diversity & Inclusion Roundup.