About

Why We Need the Bio-Diverse Project.

Racial and ethnic minorities, Indigenous people, LGBTQIA+ people, women, carers/caregivers, and disabled people are underrepresented and underserved in biology and conservation.

Despite conservation being a global socio-political and biological issue, inclusion and diversity are severely lacking. Not only must this change on ethical grounds, but diversity and inclusivity improve science and conservation work. Diversity, inclusion, and role models are key to increase underrepresented and minority group recruitment and retention within scientific and academic disciplines. The Bio-Diverse Project aims to fill the gap in representation and contribute to the necessary change we are beginning to see within academia and conservation.

You can read more about our motivation in a blog post for Conservation Optimism written by our Chair and Co-founder here.

What We Do.

The Bio-Diverse Project aims to highlight minorities within biology and conservation by celebrating the diversity that exists and learning from those who pave the way for future scientists presently lacking representation.

Each year, we host the Bio-Diverse Festival. Founded in June 2020, the Bio-Diverse Festival is a scientific conference full of fascinating and topical science that celebrates and highlights minority and underrepresented scientists in an inclusive, safe, and non-discriminatory environment. The Bio-Diverse Festival is an inclusive platform for underrepresented and minority biologists and conservationists to share their work, inspire a new generation of scientists, network, and discuss topical issues in their field. This online event opens the conversation about the prevalence of racism, homophobia/transphobia, sexism, and ableism in this field, how they often intersect, and how we can solve them together. This festival welcomes anyone with an interest or career in biology or conservation.

Our Vision.

Our vision is to create an inclusive, welcoming space for underrepresented and minority groups in biology and conservation.

Our ultimate goal is to no longer host the Bio-Diverse Festival. Why? Because it’ll no longer be needed. Every science conference will be inclusive, accessible, host a range of perspectives and voices, and represent a diverse group of individuals.