Outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion

The Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognise students and staff who have made an outstanding contribution to supporting diversity and fostering inclusion at Monash. Recipients of these awards have gone above and beyond to further inclusion, connection and belonging for people from disadvantaged or marginalised groups.

The team behind the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI)Sensory Scientific Exhibit were recognised at the recent 2018 Vice Chancellor’s Diversity and Inclusion Awards.

The Sensory Science Exhibition was initially put together in May this year for a special event for members of the blind and low vision community, giving them the opportunity to explore the world of infection and immunity through a specifically designed, interactive exhibit.

Including a range of accessible activities and tactile displays, the exhibit highlights research areas such as vaccination, the evolution of flu viruses, and the process of how our bodies recognise pathogens.

There are plans to share the exhibit across Australia, starting by assisting the University of New South Wales in setting up their own sensory exhibit.

The team was also recognised for their work experience program, aimed at providing members of the blind and low vision community with an opportunity to get hands-on experience in a biomedical research laboratory. This program began when Professor Rossjohn put out the call for anyone interested in completing work experience in his lab at the inaugural Sensory Scientific Exhibition and Discovery Day earlier in the year. They have had one student complete the program, with more interested in doing so in 2019.

Congratulations to all Monash BDI recipients of the award:

  • Professor Jamie Rossjohn
  • Dr Gabrielle Watson
  • Professor Nicole La Gruta
  • Professor Ramesh Rajan
  • Dr Erica Tandori
  • Sabrina Constantin

This initiative exemplifies best practice both in developing teaching programs and experiential learning, and engaging with the wider community to encourage participation by a diverse range of people.

Original article