Tag Archives: inclusion

The making of PERIODically Podcast

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Logo for PERIODically podccast.

The Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) hosted a special conversation on women’s health and menstrual issues in the workplace on Thursday 6 March 2025. The event took place in the month marking Endometriosis Awareness Month and international women’s day. It was attended by students and staff of the University who enjoyed networking during the lunch provided by the library.

The conversation began with two of the creators of the podcast PERIODically, Josie Sams and Felicity Smith. Josie and Felicity are 4th year chemistry students. They won the Horizon in Education Award from the Royal Society of Chemistry for the podcast series. They shared insights into the making of PERIODically podcasts and explained the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding menstrual issues in the workplace and open discussions on topics such as endometriosis, PCOS, the menopause, miscarriage, and the motherhood penalty. Then, they directed a discussion with a guest panel of members of the university experienced on these issues: Dr Charlotte Hancox, Departmental Lecturer in Practical Chemistry, Dr. Amy Hinks, ED&I Data Analyst and Athena Swan Coordinator, and Pedro Melo, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. During the event, they responded to questions on improving individual support, raising awareness of menstruation issues, and expanding local initiatives in the wider university.

Photograph showing a room full of seated people from behind, looking to the front of the room where to young women stand.
Photograph showing the backs of a few rows of people looking at 5 seated people at the front. Above the seated is a screen showing the PERIODically podcast logo the text Winners and Outcomes and some other images which are not clear.

The discussion continued beyond the event itself, focussing on long-term improvements for students and staff. It included the desire for all university libraries and departments to follow the example of the Radcliffe Science Library, which provides complimentary period products in all its bathrooms.

Feedback from participants

“It was a great environment to discuss periods in the academic workplace; the podcast hosts made a great presentation and it was nice hearing from diverse perspectives from the panel. The lunch was yummy too!”

“I liked the introduction by the two podcasters and the panel discussion. It was a good mix of guests who were able to speak both from the medical and the EDI perspective on the issue. I also liked that we had time to get to know other women attending the event. Thank you for organising it.”

“I enjoyed the talk, panel, and lunch! It was all wonderful information and work and amazing to meet everyone.”

For more information about Josie, Felicity and their PERIODIcally podcast project, read their story.

Photograph showing the backs of several rows of people looking at 5 people seated at the front of the room.

Spotlight on EDI initiatives

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The Radcliffe Science Library values diversity and inclusion and is committed to fostering an environment where all students feel welcome, respected, and have a strong sense of belonging. To support this mission, we are highlighting some of the excellent work by members of the University.

For this term, the library has chosen to celebrate the work done by:

  • The Oxford Chemists – Charlie Simms, Manami Imada, Sofia Olendraru, Felicity Smith, Josie Sams, Charlotte Oliver, Amygrace Berger, Elba Feo, addressing menstruation and its challenges during lab work.
  • Dr Gbemisola David-West, Dr Debbie Aitken Obstetrics, and Professor Arathi Sriprakash on racial discrimination and resilience among Black doctors.

They highlight the challenges women experience in labs and at work and the experience of Black doctors during postgraduate training.

MPLS – Winner of the MPLS EDI Awards 2024 in category Best Initiative

PERIODically Podcast created by Oxford Chemists, Charlie Simms, Manami Imada, Sofia Olendraru, Felicity Smith, Josie Sams, Charlotte Oliver, Amygrace Berger, Elba Feo.

Logo for PERIODically podccast.

PERIODically is a podcast by Oxford chemistry students exploring how the physical, medical and mental health aspects of periods impact studying chemistry, addressing challenges, stereotypes, and ways to improve the experience for those with periods.

Listen to the podcast on: Amazon, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. More information available on the MPLS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards 2024 webpage.

Related reading

MSD – Research carried out by Dr Gbemisola David-West, Dr Debbie Aitken and Professor Arathi Sriprakash on racial discrimination and resilience among Black doctors

Illustration of a black female doctor.

Dr Gbemisola David-West, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar & Clinical Teaching Fellow, Dr Debbie Aitken, Supervisor and Course director in Medical Education, and Professor Arathi Sriprakash, Supervisor and Professor of Sociology and Education, have summarised their research into the poster ‘Understanding the Postgraduate Training Experiences of Black doctors: A Study of Resilience.’

Available via ORA.

Related reading

  • Chilakala, A., Camacho-Rivera, M., & Frye, V. (2022). Experiences of race- and gender-based discrimination among Black female physicians. Journal of the National Medical Association., 114(1), 104–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnma.2021.12.008 
  • Jerome, B., Fassiotto, M., Maldonado, Y. B., & Dunn, T. (2024). Barriers and Facilitators to the Success of Black Academic Physicians. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-024-02201-y 

A selection of specific journals for EDI research

Take a break! Refresh mind and body with a word puzzle

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As part of the Radcliffe Science Library refurbishment we have an amazing range of updated portraiture throughout the library. To find out more about the scientists featured in our porrtaits check out our previous blog post.

Silhouette of a man and a woman on a rainbow coloured background. The silhoettes are filled with a crossword.

Have you seen our portraiture yet?

We encourage you to explore the library EDI portrait collection across our various spaces with our exciting new crossword. Download the RSL Portraits Crossword or find copies in the library.

Scan the QR code next to each portrait to find out more about the individuals featured.

Browse the library floor plan to find your way to the different level.

 

Celebrating Diversity in Science and Medicine – Exhibition and networking event at the Radcliffe Science Library

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On April 30th, the Radcliffe Science Library hosted an EDI networking event showcasing the “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” exhibition from Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network. Representatives from local networks, Oxford University Black Medics, OxFemTech, Women in Computing Science were also part of the highlight of the event to promote the support they offer to their peers.

A photograph of a woman looking at an exhibition focused on EDI.

A student inspects the exhibition

The “Portraits of Black Female Scientists” ignited discussions on diversity in science, knowledge sharing and follow-up collaborations.

Attendees enjoyed meeting new people and listening to the guest speakers, Laura Eghobamien, founder of the Cambridge Black Medical Scientific Network (BMSN), and James Bell, the photographer.

A photo of woman and man talking.

Laura Eghobamien networking with a guest

Those who had not visited the library since its renovation took the opportunity to have a tour and view its new inclusive portraiture.

A photo of a woman working in a lab. at a

One of the new portraits on display in the RSL

Laura Eghobamien, James Bell and the Radcliffe Science Library are interested in expanding the exhibit with portraits of black scientists at Oxford.

If you would like to learn more about the exhibit and have photographs taken, please contact BlackMedical and Scientific Network blackmedicalscientificnetwork@gmail.com  or karine.barker@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

A photograph of 3 people standing in front of a display

From Left to right: Karine Barker, Laura Eghobamien, James Bell

 

Feedback from participants:

“It was much more powerful than I expected to see all these beautiful portraits shown together.  In principle I’ve always been aware that this kind of representation is important, but such a strong demonstration of the power was really important.  Inspiring”

“Thank you for the event, it was really inspiring, I made such amazing connections and got to talk about diversity in medical sciences and diversity.”

 

RSL Portraiture – Abdus Salam

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Abdus Salam – Theoretical Physicist Nobel Prize for Physics (1926- 1996) 

Abdus Salam broke many barriers to become the first Muslim Pakistani to win a Nobel Prize for science. He lived in Oxford.

About Abdus Salam:

Further resources:

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.

RSL Portraiture – Dame Louise Johnson and Charlotte Trower

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Dame Louise Johnson – biophysicist and structural biologist (1940 – 2012)

Louise Johnson is an inspiring female scientist described as one of the pioneering spirits of protein crystallography and structural enzymology, and remembered for her kindness and mentoring.

About Louise Johnson:

 Further resources:

Charlotte Trower – botanical artist (1855-1928)

Charlotte Trower, “a gifted botanical watercolourist”, was known as an amateur botanist. During her time, amateur botany and flower painting were undervalued and not worthy of being part of natural history. Yet, in collaboration with other amateur botanists, her sister Alice and George Claridge Druce, she produced detailed drawings that have contributed to our contemporary knowledge of the flora of the British Isles.

About Charlotte Trower:

About the illustrations:

  • The Oxford Ragwort, 1 May 1907, first illustration produced by Charlotte Trower after she and her sister began their association with G.C.Druce. The original is held in the Sherardian Library of Plant Taxonomy, Bodleian libraries. Shelfmark: Oxford Ragwort MS Sherard 428, f.12.
  • Monkey Orchid 7 June 1907 was produced by Charlotte Trower. The Monkey Orchid was discovered by G.C. Druce. He kept the precise location secret from his collaborators and only revealed the site to the Trower Sisters many years later. The original is held in the Sherardian Library of Plant Taxonomy, Bodleian Libraries. Shelfmark: Monkey Orchid MS Sherard 439, f.27.
  • Search Trower paintings Index (ox.ac.uk)

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.

RSL Portraiture – Nikolaas Tinbergen and Oliver Sacks

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Nikolaas Tinbergen – ethologist, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1907-1988)

We celebrate Nikolaas Tinbergen for his illustrious contributions in the field of ethology alongside his lifelong battle with depression.

About Nikolaas Tinbergen:

 Further resources:

 Oliver Sacks –neurologist and author (1933-2015) 

Oliver Sacks is one of the few scientists whose work became well-known through his published accounts of neurological case stories, particularly the adaptation of his book ‘Awakenings’ into a film starring famous American actors. He was also a man who lived at a time when he had to hide his homosexuality for fear of imprisonment or chemical castration. We are grateful to his foundation for allowing us to include this eminent Oxford alumnus in our portraiture.

About Oliver Sacks:

 Further resources:

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.

RSL Portraiture – Edith Bulbring

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Edith Bülbring – pharmacologist and smooth-muscle physiologist (1903-1990)

About Edith Bülbring:

 Further resources:

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.

RSL Portraiture – Acland Map of Oxford

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Acland Map of Oxford 1854

Sir Henry Acland was a physician, educator, and Regius Professor of Medicine at Oxford. One of his main interests was sanitary and public health matters. In 1854, he published his Memoir on the cholera at Oxford, in the year 1854: with considerations suggested by the epidemic. The map indicates areas of three outbreaks in 1832, 1849, and 1854 in Oxford. Very little is known about the identity of the illustrator apart from the notation that his ‘Memoir was drawn by a Lady,’ reflecting the lack of full recognition of female contributions in science in the 19th century.

More about Henry Acland and the map:

  • Fox, R.  (2014, September 25). Acland, Sir Henry Wentworth, first baronet (1815–1900), physician. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. https://doi-org.ezproxy-prd.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/10.1093/ref:odnb/62
  • Acland, H. W. (Henry W. (1856). Memoir on the cholera at Oxford, in the year 1854: with considerations suggested by the epidemic. J. Churchill. Available in SOLO http://tinyurl.com/wx9uhx8b
  • Acland, H. W. (Henry W. (1855). Map of Oxford, to illustrate Dr. Acland’s Memoir on cholera in Oxford in 1854, : showing the localities in which cholera & choleraic diarrhœa occurred in 1854, and cholera in 1832 & 1849; together with the parts of the town described as unhealthy, by Omerod, Greenhill & Allen, and a writer in the Oxford Herald; the parts remedied since the date of their descriptions; the districts still undrained; the parts of the river still contaminated by sewers, in 1855; and the contour levels.. [Map]. J. Churchill. https://digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/e290f1f9-ef2c-4779-a326-42f79f69a992/

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.

RSL Portraiture – Alan Turing

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Alan Turing – mathematician, computer scientist (1912-1954)

Alan Turing is remembered for breaking the German naval Enigma Code during World War II, which helped end the war earlier. He is also considered to be the forefather of modern computer science. He faced profound discrimination due to his homosexuality and his life ended tragically.  Alan Turing represents an important LGBT historical figure in science whom we honour in our portraiture.  The University of Oxford is one of the five founding universities of the Alan Turing Institute, the national institute for data science, located at the Oxford Internet Institute in St Giles, Oxford.

About Alan Turing:

Further resources:

Find the full list of the pioneering members of the scientific community featured in our portraiture on our previous blog post.