Institute of Genetics and Cancer

IGMM statement in support of Black Lives Matter

The IGMM Executive have issued this statement on behalf of the Institute: June 2020

IGMM marque

The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) wholeheartedly supports the Black Lives Matter movement, standing in solidarity with our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students following the recent tragic and deplorable death of George Floyd in the US. We also remember the many other men and women who have lost their lives as a result of societal and systemic racism in recent times and throughout history.

In its many forms, we agree that racism is a long-term and embedded problem in the higher education and research sectors, in the UK and across the wider world. Championing equality, diversity and inclusion is a core value of the IGMM and we fully concur with the statements from our major funders, UKRI and Cancer Research UK. We also support the statement and commitments made by the University of Edinburgh.

We pledge to engage in anti-racist activities, seeking out new opportunities to do so.

We recognise that additional work is needed to ensure a diverse and inclusive working environment at IGMM.

We will continue to work with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion-Athena SWAN Committee to listen to and support our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.

We are fully committed to assessing and reporting on the changes we can make to our continued fight against racism.

We stand with Black Lives Matter.

 

The IGMM Executive

 

Professor Margaret Frame, IGMM Director

Professor Tim Aitman, Director, Centre for Genomic & Experimental Medicine

Professor Wendy Bickmore, Director, MRC Human Genetics Unit

Professor Ian Tomlinson, Director, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre

Angela Ingram, IGMM Services Manager

Stephen Lissaman, IGMM Business Manager

 

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