Exceptional researchers named in second cohort of Royal Society Career Development Fellowships

Eight exceptional early career researchers have been announced as the second cohort of Royal Society Career Development Fellows (CDFs), a pilot scheme aimed at addressing underrepresentation in UK STEM academia.

From decoding the secrets of planets beyond our solar system to pioneering new materials for sustainable technologies, this cohort is undertaking bold research that promises to benefit society and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

The pilot, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Royal Society, offers four years of funding (up to £690,000 per research fellow) and training activities to help researchers who have recently completed their PhD to establish independent research careers in UK academia. Building on the tailored support provided to the first cohort of CDFs, award holders will also have access to mentoring opportunities supported by the Black British Professionals in STEM (BBSTEM) network.

The programme is currently focused on researchers from Black and Mixed Black heritage with a connection to the UK or UK academia. If successful, the pilot programme might be broadened to include researchers from other underrepresented groups.

The scheme was launched in response to long-standing disparities in academic career progression. Analysis of Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) data shows that researchers from Black heritage backgrounds leave academia at higher rates than other groups, with just 3% of Black heritage staff working at F1 Professor level compared to 13% of White STEM academics.

The eight CDFs will take up their fellowships at seven institutions across the UK: the University of Oxford, University of Birmingham, University of York, University of Leicester, Queen Mary University of London, University of Bristol and University of Cambridge.

Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:

“This exceptional second cohort of Career Development Fellows demonstrates the depth of early career research talent that exists from underrepresented groups in STEM.

“It is vital that we address the systemic issues causing too many talented young scientists, from Black and other underrepresented backgrounds, to leave academia early. A diverse scientific community will help the UK to maximise its scientific innovation and creativity.

“This pilot aims to provide early career researchers with the mentoring, training and support they need to establish a successful research career in the UK.”

Professor Robert Mokaya OBE FRS, President-Elect of the Royal Society of Chemistry and member of the Career Development Fellowship Selection Panel, said:

“This Fellowship scheme is very much needed. I have been most impressed by the very high quality of the applicants. Clearly there is a significant pool of high-quality Black Heritage early career researchers, and this scheme offers an avenue for their development.

“I am certain that those supported will be research and academic leaders of the future.”

• Dr Stéphanie Abo
  Mathematical and data-driven modelling in biology: From single cells to population dynamics
  University of Oxford

• Dr Kymani Armstrong-Williams
  New insights for gauge theories and gravity
  Queen Mary University of London

• Dr Ebrima Bojang
  Dissecting mechanisms underlying mitochondrial DNA release and its impact on infection
  University of Birmingham

• Dr Kayesha Coley
  Unravelling mechanisms of lung physiology through bronchiectasis gene discovery
  University of Leicester

• Dr Ousmane Dao
  Functional dissection of photorespiration in diverse algae enabled by high-throughput screening and subcellular localisation
  University of York

• Dr Emily Meekel
  Tuning disordered network channels and the interactions within
  University of Birmingham

• Dr Osarenkhoe Ogbeide
  Pioneering novel nanoengineered gas sensors for ultrasensitive indoor air quality monitoring
  University of Cambridge

• Larissa Palethorpe
  Tiny worlds, tremendous insights: Analysis of exoplanets in transitional zones
  University of Bristol

The third round of CDFs is currently open for applications, closing on 19 November.