Foundations of diversity and inclusion: understanding and mitigating bias in STEM workplaces

VIRTUAL ONLINE

Designed for professionals and teams how want to learn how to be an effective ally and create a work STEM workplace where everyone can thrive.

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About

Learn the, essential principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), with a sharp focus on recognising and mitigating bias in STEM environments. Ideal for individuals at all levels—especially those new to EDI—this session fosters awareness, reflection, and practical action.

Led Dr Athina Frantzana, the course blends foundational EDI knowledge with real-world strategies to interrupt bias, promote allyship, and create equitable workplaces. Participants will leave empowered to support inclusive cultures and become agents of meaningful change.

On this course you will:

• Understand key EDI concepts including bias, privilege, and allyship
• Explore UK legal and organisational frameworks such as the Equality Act
• Recognise how bias shows up in STEM workplaces and its impact on teams
• Reflect on personal experiences of privilege and bias through guided activities
• Identify the effects of exclusionary behaviours and microaggressions on innovation
• Learn practical strategies for inclusive communication and real-time bias interruption
• Develop a personal action plan to support inclusive practices in your role

Who should attend?

Ideal for professionals across STEM organisations—including team leaders, HR, EDI, and L&D specialists—who are shaping inclusive culture, managing teams, or working in male-dominated environments. Suitable for staff at any level looking to build inclusive skills or prepare for leadership. This course also links to section E of the Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Speaker

Dr Athina Frantzana

WISE Training and Delivery Manager

Dr Athina Frantzana is WISE’s Training & Delivery Manager with over a decade of experience in Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in STEM. Her PhD research pioneered understanding of women’s representation in advanced computing. Athina has delivered impactful EDI training across industry, academia, and the public sector, and is a trusted consultant in data analysis, policy development, and leadership coaching. She ensures WISE’s products are consistently evidence-based and relevant.

Programme

Topics covered

• Core concepts of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
• Understanding bias, privilege, and allyship
• Legal and organisational EDI frameworks (e.g., Equality Act)
• Bias in STEM workplaces and its impact
• Microaggressions and exclusionary behaviours
• Inclusive communication and real-time bias interruption
• Personal reflection and action planning

Course objectives

• Define key EDI terminology and principles
• Recognise how bias manifests in STEM environments
• Reflect on personal experiences of privilege and bias
• Understand the impact of exclusion on team dynamics and innovation
• Apply strategies for inclusive communication and allyship
• Begin developing a personal plan for inclusive practice

 In-company training

This training course can be delivered in-house at your company premises, either with an in-house trainer providing face-to-face learning or virtually using MS Teams.

Group booking discount

The following discount codes are for member and non-member delegate registration only, and not applicable for student bookings.

10% discount for 3 to 4 delegates –  17537GR3TO4
15% discount for 5 plus delegates –  17537GR5PLUS

Please note that payment must be made in full when registering.

If you need to pay for your group by proforma invoice, please contact events@theiet.org