RMetS celebrates the launch of the Early Careers of Colour Network
The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Early Careers of Colour (ECC) network. The initiative was first introduced during the first Diverse Voices event in January, with an in-person launch at the RMetS Early Career and Student Conference in July, marking a significant step forward for the Society in its aim to promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the meteorological community.
What is the RMetS Early Careers of Colour Network?
The ECC network offers a vibrant online community tailored for early careers of colour working in or around weather and climate science. Serving as a hub, it is a place to seek support, share resources and learn about professional development opportunities.
The network features an exclusive online forum hosted through Discord, where network members can access academic and industry opportunities, advice, events, and more. The first in-person meet-up took place at the RMetS Early Career and Student Conference, with members new and existing having the chance to get to know each other in person and grow their personal networks.
Development of the network follows the RMetS EDI Survey carried out among the Society’s membership in 2023. The survey has helped us to establish where we can do more to ensure people feel welcome at the Society.
Diverse Voices
The network is accompanied by Diverse Voices—a series of online “fireside chats.” Diverse Voices, which is open to all, showcases the diverse perspectives of researchers and professionals across weather and climate science, providing insight into the variety of backgrounds and experiences within the field.
The first three Diverse Voices sessions in 2024 focused on exploring and highlighting ethnic diversity within the field.
Taking place against the backdrop of the Society’s commitment to encourage the meteorological community toward greater equity, diversity and inclusivity, attendees heard from PhD students Regan Mudhar and Ashar Aslam about their experiences in research. View Diverse Voices: Introduction to Series
In March, Anita Ganesan described her journey from an engineering degree to a PhD at MIT, and on to her current role as Associate Professor at the University of Bristol. View Diverse Voices: Senior Academics of Colour
More recently in June, Laila Gohar and Michael Lai shared their paths to and varied experiences of working for the Met Office. View Diverse Voices: Experiences of People of Colour at the Met Office
How to join the RMetS Early Careers of Colour Network?
With the network now firmly established and with attendance growing by the month, it is the perfect time for early careers of colour to join this supportive and empowering community.
Please visit the Early Careers of Colour network registration page to join.