Professional Development Event
Neuro-inclusion in physics
28 January 2025 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM PST | Moscone West, Community Stage (Level 2)
Join us for lunch and an education session focused on neuroinclusion in STEM.
How can we create working environments that are inclusive for neurodivergent physicists? Recent research indicates that the neurodivergent population is drawn to STEM fields, meaning that a larger proportion of the STEM workforce falls under this umbrella. Despite this, many neurodivergent individuals encounter challenges that cause them to leave academic and research roles despite their potential to greatly contribute to research and innovation.
In this session, participants will be invited to reflect on their physical workspaces and working practices in the context of neuroinclusion and learn about practical steps that can be taken to embrace a diverse range of neurotypes. You will learn about neurodiversity and the many ways that neurodivergent individuals demonstrate strengths and encounter challenges in the physics workplace. We will then explore ways in which we can break down barriers for neurodivergent people in physics, focusing on cultivating a culture of neuroinclusion in your own working practices and how you can encourage colleagues to follow your lead. By the end of the session, you will have a greater understanding of neurodiversity in the physics context and the tools to develop a personal action plan for creating change at your workplace.
Presenter: Daisy Shearer
Daisy Shearer is an Outreach and Engagement Officer at the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. They are a passionate science communicator and educator with a drive to make STEM more accessible and inclusive, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent people. With a background in experimental condensed matter physics, Daisy combines a deep technical knowledge of quantum technology with a passion for teaching and public engagement to translate quantum computing concepts for a variety of audiences. Daisy draws on lived experience to drive neuroinclusion in physics and physics-adjacent spaces in academia and the broader research ecosystem, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent students and early career professionals to find accessible learning resources and career entry-points. More recently, they have been involved with research on neuroinclusive scientific workplaces, exploring the ways in which we can create more inclusive environments to improve wellbeing and work culture in STEM.
MENU: Boxed lunch service for the first 80 guests. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Soft drinks and water provided.
SETUP: Round tables with approximately 8 chairs per table.
Join us for a day of panel presentations, lightning talks, and networking.
Separate registration is required. Member $50*, Non-Member $75.*
More information can be found here
Neuro-inclusion in physics
How can we create working environments that are inclusive for neurodivergent physicists? Recent research indicates that the neurodivergent population is drawn to STEM fields, meaning that a larger proportion of the STEM workforce falls under this umbrella. Despite this, many neurodivergent individuals encounter challenges that cause them to leave academic and research roles despite their potential to greatly contribute to research and innovation.
In this session, participants will be invited to reflect on their physical workspaces and working practices in the context of neuroinclusion and learn about practical steps that can be taken to embrace a diverse range of neurotypes. You will learn about neurodiversity and the many ways that neurodivergent individuals demonstrate strengths and encounter challenges in the physics workplace. We will then explore ways in which we can break down barriers for neurodivergent people in physics, focusing on cultivating a culture of neuroinclusion in your own working practices and how you can encourage colleagues to follow your lead. By the end of the session, you will have a greater understanding of neurodiversity in the physics context and the tools to develop a personal action plan for creating change at your workplace.
Presenter: Daisy Shearer
Daisy Shearer is an Outreach and Engagement Officer at the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. They are a passionate science communicator and educator with a drive to make STEM more accessible and inclusive, particularly for disabled and neurodivergent people. With a background in experimental condensed matter physics, Daisy combines a deep technical knowledge of quantum technology with a passion for teaching and public engagement to translate quantum computing concepts for a variety of audiences. Daisy draws on lived experience to drive neuroinclusion in physics and physics-adjacent spaces in academia and the broader research ecosystem, with a focus on supporting neurodivergent students and early career professionals to find accessible learning resources and career entry-points. More recently, they have been involved with research on neuroinclusive scientific workplaces, exploring the ways in which we can create more inclusive environments to improve wellbeing and work culture in STEM.
Event Details
FORMAT: Lunchtime education session with presentation followed by live audience Q&A.MENU: Boxed lunch service for the first 80 guests. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available. Soft drinks and water provided.
SETUP: Round tables with approximately 8 chairs per table.
Attend a Celebration of Women in Optics on Sunday 26 January.
Join us for a day of panel presentations, lightning talks, and networking.
Separate registration is required. Member $50*, Non-Member $75.*
More information can be found here