Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment at the School of Chemistry

A vibrant community of diverse, overlapping figures alongside laboratory glassware represents inclusion, equity and belonging across 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.

Box of purple cupcakes made for Wear It Purple Day, an annual Australian awareness day dedicated to supporting, empowering, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ young people

Cupcakes for Wear It Purple Day

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.