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Inclusion, Equality & Diversity

31% of disabled chemists face bullying or discrimination, survey finds

The survey from the Royal Society of Chemistry found that 27% of disabled chemists said they did not feel a sense of belonging at work. 

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31% of disabled chemists face bullying or discrimination, survey finds
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Nearly a third (31%) of disabled chemists said they have faced bullying or discrimination due to disability, according to a survey from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

More than a quarter (27%) of disabled chemists said they did not feel a sense of belonging at work. 

Three-quarters (75%) said there was a lack of awareness around their support needs.

Helen Pain, CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The findings of our research are both sobering and invigorating. 

“They reveal the lived experiences of disabled chemists, which are stories of resilience, determination and opportunities for equity. 

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“They also showcase practical, achievable solutions that make our field fairer.”

Pain added: “If we fail to create more inclusive working environments, the reality is that we might continue to miss out on exceptional minds whose work can change the ways in which we view and interact with our world. 

“It is crucial the chemical sciences community invests in creating inclusive and accessible workspaces to ensure talented people can flourish.”

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The Pay and Reward report from the Royal Society of Chemistry found that disabled people typically earn lower salaries than non-disabled colleagues and are less likely to reach senior roles.

The Disability-Inclusive Laboratories report set out 15 recommendations, including accessible laboratory design, clear adjustment processes and mandatory disability awareness training. 

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Contributors said embedding an inclusive culture should become routine.

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Most chemists surveyed (83%) said institutions should have dedicated disability staff networks and simple changes would improve lab access. 

Contributors described stigma, inconsistent support, poor adjustment processes and workplace cultures that penalise disabled people. 

Some said they had left lab work altogether because of inaccessible environments.

The report said the proposed changes would benefit all lab users by improving safety, efficiency and flexibility. 

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Ale Palermo, head of global inclusion at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “Disabled scientists have shared their experiences, shining a light on the barriers preventing them from contributing fully, and this report shows the problems they face are systemic rather than isolated. 

“The findings evidence the cost of inaction, the loss of talent and the urgent need for collective responsibility across the chemical sciences.

“Chemistry must recognise talent is defined by ability, not disability.”

Palermo added: “When we judge scientists on what they can contribute rather than on the barriers placed in their way, we open the door to a richer, more inventive and more representative discipline. 

“We need the entire sector to work together and redesign laboratories, policies and cultures so every scientist can thrive.”

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The Royal Society of Chemistry will host a webinar with the Royal Society on 25th November, at 3.30pm, streamed live on Zoom. 

Speakers from the Royal Society of Chemistry, industry and academia will discuss how to address barriers facing disabled scientists.

Palermo added: “We need the chemical sciences to recognise the scale of the challenge and commit to changes that go beyond statutory compliance to create genuinely fair environments. 

“It is time for chemistry to really commit to inclusion and accessibility, and ensure our laboratories are places where talent can flourish without obstruction.”

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