The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Writing Competition

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL), part of the Bodleian Libraries at the University of Oxford, is committed to supporting an inclusive culture and being a space where everyone feels welcome, valued and respected when it re-opens in Summer 2023. As part of this action, the library is launching a writing competition open to all undergraduates in science and medicine.

Photograph of a notebook, an open laptop and a cup of coffee on a wooden table

Writing Competition

You are invited to select a name from the list of inspiring historical scientists. The list includes famous and not so well-known individuals who succeeded in their field in spite of the stereotypes and prejudices of their times. We acknowledge that the list does not represent the full breadth of different groups and backgrounds that we would wish to include. We recognise that there are barriers that minorities and different groups have faced through history in the scientific field. However, we feel that this competition reflects our commitment to support the change for a diverse community. We have included unknown Oxford scientists in the list to invite you to enter names of historical individuals from different genders, ethnicities, disabilities, socio-economic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ communities you may know that are connected to science and medicine at Oxford.

Please write a short text (within 500 words) about your chosen scientist.

The winners will have their name and written work linked to the picture of the selected scientist on the wall of the RSL. This is an achievement that can be added to a CV.

Competition Details

Your entry should include the following details:

  • Your choice.
  • Why you chose that scientist.
  • What is inspiring about the chosen scientist in the EDI context.
  • The name of the chosen scientist must be in the title of the written work.

Applicants are expected to complement their written work with additional references by consulting SOLO catalogue and external sources.

You can submit more than one work for a different scientist but you will need to fill a new form for each entry. Up to two authors can submit a joint written work.

Assessment criteria: the best written works will be selected for their:

  • Breadth of knowledge
  • Clarity
  • Insight

The competition closes on 31st March 2023.

Please read the privacy notice before entering the competition.

To enter the competition complete our form and upload your document.

Return to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Project blog.

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