Objectives of the MBU WIDE Committee
The main objectives of the MBU WIDE committee are:
- To ensure balanced representation of the various views and experiences of all staff groups at the MBU.
- To ensure that everybody feels included by creating an environment and research culture that allows everyone to thrive, free from barriers to entry, participation and progression. Diversity in background, experience and opinion is supported, respected and perceived as inspiration and a start for dialogue.
- To raise awareness about the University’s Dignity @ Work Policy and provide staff with the appropriate resources, in case they receive or witness inappropriate behaviour (e.g harassment, bullying, discrimination etc).
- To provide guidance to people that seek advice for wellbeing or face mental health issues.
- To organise events, courses and activities to create equal opportunities and promote career progression.
- To organise and retain a mentoring scheme for "near-peer" advice on career progression and opportunities, alternative professional pathways, guidance on practical matters (grant applications, job interviews etc) and scientific discussion.
- To have a robust system of prospective data collection about wellbeing, equality and diversity in the different staff groups and seniority levels in order to allow critical reflection on our practices and to provide objective impact measures on our policies.
- To organise annual surveys, in order to monitor progress, evaluate the impact of implemented changes and give a voice to any underlying issues.
Committee members
Andrew Raine
Andrew is the Head of IT in the Unit. He believes it is essential that the Unit continues to develop a supportive and inclusive environment so that all members of our community can enjoy contributing to the world-class research undertaken here.
Dylan Ryan
Dylan is a postdoctoral researcher in the Unit working in the field of immunometabolism. Given the challenges currently facing early career researchers, Dylan has joined the MBU WIDE committee to help promote wellbeing in the workplace and contribute to a positive and inclusive culture for all students and staff.
Edmund Kunji
Edmund is a group leader in the Unit and he is passionate about this subject as he believes that we need the talents of everyone to solve the difficult problems in science.
Jelle van den Ameele
Jelle is a group leader in the Unit, and the founder of the WIDE committee. He is a positive culture champion at the Clinical School, has three young children, and cares about creating an open, supportive and inclusive research culture in his lab and across the Unit.
Hiran Prag
Hiran is a Post Doc in the unit and is keen to help support the development of a working environment that is inclusive and equal for all to thrive.
Irina James
As the Unit Manager (i.e. Departmental Administrator) I provide reporting support to the committee and, having been at the MBU since 2004, I have a good understanding of the Unit and the way a scientific organisation like ours works with its many complexities and demands. I provide continuity of experience and an oversight of the Unit based on my unique position.
Lindsey Van Haute
I'm Lindsey, postdoc staff member in the mitochondrial genetics group. I'm an equality champion and one of the creators of the MBU PostDoc Society.
Penny Peck
I'm the Unit's Communications and Postgraduate Manager.
Roula Tavoulari
I am a Senior Research Associate and have worked at the MBU since 2015. I have joined the WIDE committee to contribute in establishing an inclusive working culture that will provide equal opportunities for all.
Stephen Burr
I am a postdoc in Patrick Chinnery's group and am keen to promote wellbeing, inclusivity and equal opportunity for everyone working at the MBU.
Maximilian Sichrovsky
I’ve joined the wide committee as I am committed to promoting workplace wellbeing and a positive and supportive environment at the MBU. My goal is to contribute to a culture that prioritises the health and wellness of everyone in the unit, fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Kate Hibbert
I am the MBU's HR Coordinator, Wellbeing Advocate and Mental Health First Aider. When asked, I describe my role as “looking after the people in the Unit" and I believe that the wellbeing of everyone in the Unit is paramount, no matter where you are in the organisational structure. As such, I hope to bring a different perspective to the WIDE committee, both through my HR knowledge and personal experience. I know first hand the difference it can make when the 'human' bit of Human Resources is done well, which is what inspires me and influences the way I work.
Denis Lacabanne
I'm a postdoctoral researcher in the unit, and I have joined the MBU WIDE Committee to champion diversity and inclusivity. My aim is to help create a supportive environment where everyone's contributions are valued, fostering both personal growth and scientific excellence.
Jara Villar Azpillaga
How are we doing?
We are keen to receive feedback and suggestions and welcome anyone who would like to join our meetings and activities. Don’t hesitate to send us an email, or talk to us in the corridor.
MBU WIDE alumni: Vasiliki Mavridou, Lyuba Bozhilova, Hannah Bridges, Jessica Bosak