UKRI statement on Black Lives Matter – UK Research and Innovation

09/06/2020

Racism takes lives and breeds hate. We grieve for all those who have actually lost their lives to this form of oppression, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Stephen Lawrence and David Oluwale. This is not an issue that takes place ‘elsewhere’, or one that has just taken place in the last 2 weeks. There are centuries of oppressions to reflect on here and to start to reckon with. The mobilisation that has actually taken place within neighborhoods in the UK, and throughout the globe, highlights the frustrating message of solidarity against bigotry and anti-blackness.

Our research study and innovation community has actually revealed with us their anger, sorrow, disappointment and even fatigue. We share those feelings and acknowledge the value of taking a stand against bigotry and the violent acts of cruelty linked to George Floyd’s and others’ deaths.

Yet we likewise understand that bigotry takes numerous forms– consisting of even more subtle types that keep Black people out of the space and silence their voices. There is also the racism that sees people stereotyped due to the fact that of the colour of their skin or denied a job due to the fact that of their last names. We understand that to engage deeply in anti-racist work involves more than simply writing a declaration. It involves the on-going and longer-term commitment of practicing justice. We desire a world that devotes itself to this longer-term dedication and to attaining justice in practice.

We have started work to address our structures, our workplace and the methods that we might be perpetuating issues– in regards to who we represent, who we welcome to the table, who we partner with and fund. This is something that we will be focusing our energies on as we do the work that is needed to right the systemic wrongs that racism produces.

Alongside this will be a renewed commitment to listen to, support and continue to promote the numerous researchers, innovators, organisations and neighborhood advocates who have been doing this work for a really, long time. We are challenging ourselves, and the whole research study and development sector, to show on whether we as individuals, and as a community, are doing enough to get rid of bigotry. Everyone deserves chance and a future, which can not happen in a world in which anti-blackness remains. Black Lives Matter.

On behalf of the UKRI executive group:

Professor Sir Mark Walport, UKRI Chief Executive

Professor Andrew Thompson, Executive Chair of the Arts and Liberal Arts Research Council

Professor Melanie Welham, Executive Chair of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council

Teacher Dame Lynn Gladden, Executive Chair of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

Professor Jennifer Rubin, Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council

Dr Ian Campbell, Executive Chair of Innovate UK

Teacher Fiona Watt, Executive Chair of the Medical Research Council

Teacher Sir Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of the Natural Surroundings Research Study Council

David Sweeney, Executive Chair of Research Study England

Teacher Mark Thomson, Executive Chair of the Science and Innovation Facilities Council

Emma Lindsell and Isobel Stephen, UKRI Executive Director for Technique and Governance

Sue Donaldson, UKRI Chief People Officer

Mike Blackburn, Interim UKRI Chief Financing Officer

We have actually picked to highlight the lives of four people; 2 whose deaths occurred this year and have been covered in the media and 2 whose deaths happened in 1993 and 1969. To find out more about Stephen Lawrence visit the and David Oluwale check out Remember Oluwale.

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