To combat the lack of visible LGBTQ+ role models across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM), University of Exeter academics have collaborated with UK LGBT+ education charity Schools OUT to create a classroom resources pack containing slides, videos, posters, careers profiles and experiments/activities. Launched to coincide with UK LGBT+ History Month and its theme for 2026 of 'Science & Innovation', these resources support the usualisation of LGBTQ+ identities within the Key Stage 3 and 4 science and maths curricula. They are free to download from https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/prism/.

In this webinar, the project leads will explore their roles as LGBTQ+ educators in UK higher education and their wider outreach work that acted as important motivations for creating these resources. They will showcase the contents of the resources and facilitate discussion on how these may be utilised during LGBT+ History Month and beyond.

Suitable for: Secondary school teachers; leaders of science clubs, STEMM ambassadors, outreach practicioners and LGBTQ+ groups for secondary school-aged students

By the end of this session, you will:

·   Appreciate the benefits of greater visibility of LGBTQ+ role models across STEMM subjects

·   Learn about the life and work of trans neuroscientist Ben Barres, lesbian astronaut Sally Ride, bi GP Hannah Barham-Brown, gay mathematician Ron Buckmire, trans ecologist Joan Roughgarden, and lesbian astrophysicist Nergis Mavalvala.

·   See how the PRISM Exeter / Schools OUT resources can complement your teaching of Key Stage 3 and 4 science and maths curriculum content

Speaker bios: 

Dr Claire Davies (she/her) is an award-winning astrophysicist and LGBTQ+ advocate. She is a Senior Lecturer in Physics & Astronomy at the University of Exeter and founder of the PRISM Exeter network of LGBTQ+ STEMM professionals and students in Southwest England.

Dr Eleanor Townsend (she/her) is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Exeter, co-chair of the University of Exeter LGBTQ+ staff network, and coordinator of PRISM Exeter.

Dr Andrew Griffiths (he/him) is an award-winning educator and Senior Lecturer in Biosciences at the University of Exeter and coordinator of PRISM Exeter.