The Practice
The ‘Decolonising Biological Science Research’ workshop, developed in partnership with the Decolonising the Science Curriculum working group, is a collaborative initiative implemented in the School of Biological Sciences and developed by Lara Lalemi and Dr Dave Lawson. This workshop, which is the second iteration of the workshop implemented into the first year ‘Current Topics in Biology’ unit (~86 student cohort), was designed to introduce first-year undergraduate students to the concept of decolonisation within the biological sciences, encouraging a critical examination of the field’s historical and ongoing influences by colonialism.
The aim of the workshop was to not only highlight the relevance of decolonisation to biological sciences students but also empowered them with strategies for conducting research in a decolonial way, and provide students an opportunity to apply these strategies in example scenarios.
Workshop Structure
- Introduction and Intended Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to colonialism and decolonisation
- Small group discussion activity on positionality and the Academic Wheel of Privilege
- Taking a closer look at biological sciences
- Genetics
- Selective Conservation
- Colonial Conservation
- Animal Behaviour
- Small group scenario discussions
- Next steps for students
The Impact
Feedback provided by students on the workshop revealed that the workshop impacted students’ perspectives on biological sciences, enriching their educational experience by incorporating critical discussions on the legacy of colonialism and its enduring effects on science and research.
Feedback highlighted the workshop’s success in making students aware of their own positions within a global knowledge hierarchy, challenging them to consider biases in scientific research, and inspiring them to adopt a more inclusive and decolonial approach to their studies and future research endeavours. 97.6% of student respondents agreed to the statement that the valued the session, and 92.9% agreeing that the session was relevant to them as Biological Sciences students.
The session, significantly increased students’ understanding of the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives and the need for critical evaluation of the predominance of Western paradigms in science. This positive reception indicates a shift towards a more reflective and inclusive educational environment, potentially leading to higher student satisfaction and a more holistic approach to biological research.
Next Steps
We intend to continue with the workshop in future years, with the possibility of moving the workshop to a mandatory unit so it’s seen by more students. Future versions aim to involve academic staff more directly in the sessions, facilitating joint student-staff discussions that could enrich the learning experience and foster a shared understanding of decolonisation’s importance in biological research.
Contact
Lara Lalemi | Life Sciences Faculty EDI Officer: lara.lalemi@bristol.ac.uk
Dr David Lawson | Senior Lecturer and Faculty of Life Sciences EDI Champion: david.lawson@bristol.ac.uk