The Royal Society of Chemistry is committed to understanding and tackling the barriers faced by disabled chemists. We know that contact and support from those with similar experiences is an important part of improving inclusion and diversity in chemistry, and that the underrepresentation of individuals who disclose a disability within the chemical sciences can contribute to a negative feedback loop.
To tackle this, the RSC Mentoring Scheme is looking to recruit mentors and mentees with experience of disability of any kind. We understand disability as a broad umbrella term comprising diverse experiences of mental and physical difference, both 'seen' and 'unseen'. This includes (but is not limited to) mobility and sensory impairments, chronic illness, neurodiversity, and mental health conditions.
Who is a ‘disabled chemist’?
Disability is defined as any long-term health condition or impairment affecting daily life, whether mental, physical, or both. Disabled chemists are diverse, and we understand that barriers exist to self-identification with and disclosure of disability. The RSC promotes a 'social model' understanding of disability, which affirms that 'disability' is not an inherent characteristic of a person, but a dynamic of exclusion emerging within an inaccessible society. To reflect this, we refer to 'disabled people' and 'disabled chemists', while understanding that individuals may prefer to use other language to describe themselves.
Information about the mentoring process:
Associate members (AMRSC), Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC) have the chance to become a mentee, working alongside an experienced mentor in their field. In addition, Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC) have the opportunity to become a mentor, helping others take their professional development further. Each mentee and mentor fill out an initial questionnaire. This allows the mentee to reflect on what they would like to achieve through mentoring and helps us evaluate the mentor’s experience and values.
To register your interest please email careers@rsc.org
To tackle this, the RSC Mentoring Scheme is looking to recruit mentors and mentees with experience of disability of any kind. We understand disability as a broad umbrella term comprising diverse experiences of mental and physical difference, both 'seen' and 'unseen'. This includes (but is not limited to) mobility and sensory impairments, chronic illness, neurodiversity, and mental health conditions.
Who is a ‘disabled chemist’?
Disability is defined as any long-term health condition or impairment affecting daily life, whether mental, physical, or both. Disabled chemists are diverse, and we understand that barriers exist to self-identification with and disclosure of disability. The RSC promotes a 'social model' understanding of disability, which affirms that 'disability' is not an inherent characteristic of a person, but a dynamic of exclusion emerging within an inaccessible society. To reflect this, we refer to 'disabled people' and 'disabled chemists', while understanding that individuals may prefer to use other language to describe themselves.
Information about the mentoring process:
Associate members (AMRSC), Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC) have the chance to become a mentee, working alongside an experienced mentor in their field. In addition, Members (MRSC) and Fellows (FRSC) have the opportunity to become a mentor, helping others take their professional development further. Each mentee and mentor fill out an initial questionnaire. This allows the mentee to reflect on what they would like to achieve through mentoring and helps us evaluate the mentor’s experience and values.
To register your interest please email careers@rsc.org
