Ministers and UKRI to face questions on diversity and inclusion in STEM
9 June 2022
The Science Minister, School Standards Minister and Equalities Minister will face questions from the Commons Science and Technology Committee on actions taken by the Government to address diversity and inclusion issues in STEM.
MPs have heard in evidence to date stark figures on underrepresentation in STEM including that less than 1% of science professors are black. Ministers will also be questioned on other key issues revealed in previous sessions of the inquiry such as the large gender gap in A-level physics, teacher shortages and that there are no women scientists represented in the national curriculum.
Purpose of the session
This final session of the Committee’s inquiry will also hear from the head of UKRI and examine actions taken to address bias in science funding policy. The Science Minister is also likely to be questioned on recent reports regarding the UK’s plans with regards to association with Horizon Europe.
Witnesses
At 9.30am
Panel 1
- Robin Walker MP, Minister of State for School Standards, Department for Education; and
- Paul Kett, Director General, Skills, Department for Education.
Panel 2 (at approx. 10.15am)
- Kemi Badenoch MP, Minister for Equalities, Government Equalities Office.
Panel 3 (at approx. 11.00am)
- George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; and
- Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive, UK Research and Innovation.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright