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DIVERSE TEAMS ARE SMARTER 

A 2015 McKinsey report on 366 public companies found that those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean. This is because diverse teams are more rigorous when interrogating data and are more innovative. In science, researchers from underrepresented groups have been found to innovate at higher rates, but are more frequently discounted and less likely to result in successful careers. 

IF YOU CAN SEE IT AND BELIEVE IT, IT’S A LOT EASIER TO ACHIEVE IT 

Many scientists report being inspired by direct experiences or encounters with research and scientists that inspired them. By observing successful role models, we grow confident in our ability to rise to the top despite any potential barriers that may stand in the way. For example, students studying in departments that include at least one underrepresented faculty member are more likely to aspire to leadership positions.  Similarly, mentorship is critical for career advancement, but those from historically excluded groups often experience less quality mentorship. However, in the relatively small community of UK plant science, there are a very small number of Black researchers in leadership roles. 

MISSING DATA & UNDERREPRESENTATION 

In UK plant sciences, there are a very small number of Black researchers in leadership roles. For example, we know of only one Full Professor and less than five principal investigators. Numbers for post-doctoral researchers and graduate students are not currently collated at the National level but anecdotal evidence from individual organisations, suggests that participation remains far below that of the general population. As plant science is already a relatively small field of research, we also know that this means that most UK-based Black plant scientists are frequently the sole Black employee in their department and may also be the sole Black delegate at National meetings and conferences. For some, this can be isolating and discouraging. 
 
Researchers from graduate-level through to full Professors apply for and receive funds from a number of different agencies including UKRI, The Gatsby Foundation, The Royal Society, The Leverhulme Trust, and The European Research Council. Data on applications and success rates for Black applicants are not collated by all funders, however, UKRI has reported that just 1% of awards (across all councils) are led by Black investigators. We lack data at the level of plant science or even the biological sciences.