REED Network
The Racial and Ethnic Equality and Diversity (REED) ecological network is a supportive platform for ecologists at all career stages and an inspiration to younger generations facing any form of racism and marginalisation within the ecological sciences and related disciplines.
The REED ecological network is for all ecologists who self-identify as Black/Black British, Asian/British Asian or as a Person of Colour, Indigenous, or with an ethnicity under represented or marginalised within the ecological, environmental and related communities and anyone else who feels they would benefit from networking with other UK-based and international ecologists for whom racial inequalities are impacting their education, career progression and research.
Proposed and chaired by Reuben Fakoya Brooks, with Bushra Abu Helil as our vice chair, this network aims to support all ecologists and we invite anyone from all communities affected by systemic racism to join the network and lead a more diverse future for ecology.
It is a group that will provide peer support, advice and mentoring to BES members and non-members. The group will also highlight instances of, and work towards, reducing systemic racism within UK and international ecology.
Get involved
We want to enable, empower and ensure this network is led by the community it serves. We are inviting anyone who would like to get involved to get in touch with the Head of External Affairs directly. Please email Karen Devine to join the mailing list
The Network is supported by:
- Chair: Reuben Fakoya Brooks
- Vice Chair: Bushra Abu Helil
- Communications Officer: Connor Sullivan
- International Perspective: Arildo Dias
We have 42 members across many ethnicities, scientific disciplines, careers stages and places of work. We know that many ecologists are uncertain about how much time they can commit or whether they have enough experience to contribute. Don’t let that stop you. We will always support anyone who is participating in our networks to grow their skills sets and develop their careers.
Language matters
We acknowledge that there are any acronyms and labels that act as a shorthand terms will exclude some people and do not address the variety of inequalities and racism faced by individuals and communities. Wherever we can, we commit to using language that is specific to an individual or community and we will continuously reflect on and seek feedback on the language we are using, accepting that no one word or phrase truly encompasses the diversity of individuals directly impacted by racism.
How we will support our international members
Systemic racism also affects the ability of our international members to compete on the world research stage. We are currently exploring how we might expand, extend and improve the support we offer to our international members and international ecologists. If you would like to get involved, have perspectives and suggestions you would like to share, please do let us know!
Allies
The network is a safe space for individuals experiencing racism to seek support and mentoring and for that reason the network is not currently open to individuals wishing to act as allies. However we are keen to work with allies towards creating positive change within the environment sector and will be hosting workshops at the December 2021 conference. Please do get in touch if you would like to work with us.
Read our statement in response to the Black Lives Matter movement
Related content
Intersectionality
Read Eden’s perspective on being a Black and LGBT+ individual in the ecological sciences. You can also connect with the LGBT+ network
Black History Month blog series
We are excited to present a month-long blog series for Black History Month UK, which aims to promote and profile the work of Black ecologists and ecological practitioners.
Like what we stand for?
Support our mission and help develop the next generation of ecologists by donating to the British Ecological Society.