Talus Bio’s Post

What DEI efforts are making an impact on the life sciences? This #PrideMonth, we’re amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices in the industry. Julio Rojano, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Associate and PRIDE ERN Co-Chair Vertex Pharmaceuticals, shares: "As co-chair for our PRIDE ERN [Employee Resource Network], culture, career and community are spaces we drive positive change from across all our functions. One initiative we successfully implemented was our Self-ID campaign, where we hope to support representation, hiring transparency and expand LGBTQ+ visibility. Our research, innovation, culture and transformative medicine depends on the principle of inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E). As part of the ID&E Hub team our ERNs are able to effectively represent members across different affinities. As a 'Vertexian,' I am excited to see what we can achieve next in science and in the space of ID&E."

🧐 Can trade union conferences feel safer and more inclusive? We think that they can - a case study of NEU LGBT+ Conference. I’d like to share with you some good practice we have uncovered through NEU LGBT+ Educators’ Conference which resulted in our 2024 conference being the most successful yet*. *according to data from our conference evaluation completed by two-thirds of delegates. ⭐️ Sobriety Scheme A completely voluntary scheme for delegates to enter into that invited pledges for total sobriety across the weekend or just one night. Those who took part received a badge to wear. There was no policing but we made sure a range of soft drinks were on offer. Result: More than a quarter of delegates took part and our feed back beamed about the scheme. ❤️ Listeners Team Delegates were invited to be special badge-wearing volunteers who were open for people to talk to about how they were feeling. Led by members of the lay conference steering committee, a briefing and pack was supplied to those who volunteered. Volunteers could only wear the badge if they were sober and communicated with each other via a special WhatsApp group. More than 20 delegates volunteered and, again, our conference feed back beamed. 🤲 Session Carers Every breakout session had a person that clearly identitied themselves and their role in supporting the vibes of the session and being an advocate for an issue that needed challenging. Carers were exclusively members of our steering committee. 🤫 Low Sensory Plan For larger, whole-conference sessions we made sure that a low sensory room was available. Sometimes this looked like a live feed from the main room. These spaces were often used. We also had fidget toys and ear defenders available for delegates. Feed back suggested our low sensory plan had a huge impact on neurodivergent delegates. 😎 Summary: Conference evaluation exercises and intersectional stakeholder groups can identify innovative solutions that are lay-led and delivered. The impacts of these measures resulted in a majority of delegates feeling the benefit. This impact has increased the number of delegates now wishing to take up an elected role in the NEU.

Celebrate Non-Binary Awareness Week with WRFN! This week, we honour and celebrate our non-binary friends, family members, and community leaders. At Waterloo Region Family Network, we believe in creating an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Non-binary people enrich our community with their unique perspectives and experiences. Their courage to live authentically inspires us all to embrace our true selves. Let’s take this opportunity to learn, listen, and show our support. As we celebrate Non-Binary Awareness Week, let's challenge binary approaches to gendered identity because we know that it does not nor ever reflect the individuals within our community. Forcing others to conform who they are and how they express themselves based on archaic social norms has no place in any society. The freedom of gender expression is not a privilege but a right, and it is a matter of human decency to champion this right as everyone deserves to exist and thrive as their true selves. We can build a more inclusive world where everyone feels seen and heard. Join us in spreading awareness! #NonBinaryAwarenessWeek #WRFN #Inclusivity #CelebrateDiversity

Happy International Non-Binary People’s Day 2024! July 14th marks International Non-Binary People’s Day. It is a day which aims to raise awareness and celebrate the diversity and experience of those who identify as non-binary. Non-binary people do not identify as exclusively male or female, they also may identify as both, neither or somewhere along the gender spectrum. The day is also an opportunity to recognise the challenges that non-binary individuals face and to celebrate their contributions to society. Alt Text: An image containing yellow, white, purple and black stripes in a paint brush stroke style. In the middle of the image, it says ‘International Non-Binary People’s Day 2024’, and there is an orange frame around the image. #InternationalNonBinaryPeoplesDay #InternationalNonBinaryPeoplesDay2024 #NonBinary #Awareness #Diverse #Inclusive #ReflectTheAgency

🌍 Today is International Clinical Trials Awareness Day! At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe that diversity in clinical trials is crucial for advancing healthcare for everyone. By ensuring that our trials reflect the rich diversity of our communities, we can improve health outcomes for all patients. We're proud to be pioneers in normalizing the collection of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status (SOGIIS) data in our clinical trials. This initiative helps us understand and address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that our therapies are effective and safe for all. Science and society have a symbiotic relationship. By making scientific information accessible and engaging, we can foster a deeper understanding and inspire collective action towards a healthier, more informed world. I love the science communications role I play to bridge back research and real-world impact, fostering a deeper understanding and trust. Join me in celebrating the importance of inclusive clinical trials. Together, we can amplify the voices of researchers, clinicians, and patients, ensuring that innovation benefits everyone. #BMS_employee #ClinicalTrialsDay #ICTD2024 #DiversityInResearch #HealthEquity #InclusionMatters

🌟 The World's Newest Billionaire: A helicopter-flying, transgender woman on a mission to save lives 🌟 Martine Rothblatt is the trailblazing CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation. Her journey began in 1996 when her six-year-old daughter was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and incurable disease. Refusing to accept this fate, Rothblatt launched her own biotech firm to find a cure. “There is nothing worse than being told that your daughter is going to die,” Rothblatt shared with Forbes in 2018. Her determination paid off. Today, her daughter is healthy and in her 30s, a testament to Rothblatt's relentless pursuit. United Therapeutics, now publicly traded, has seen its shares soar 📈—up 54 times since its 1999 IPO. This year alone, shares have surged 50%, making Rothblatt the world's newest billionaire 💰. Rothblatt's vision doesn’t stop at curing diseases. United Therapeutics is making strides in xenotransplantation, a revolutionary process of transplanting animal organs into humans, potentially saving countless lives 🏥💖. Aside from her remarkable professional achievements, Rothblatt is a licensed helicopter pilot 🚁 who co-built the world’s first full-sized electric chopper. She's a passionate advocate for LGBTQ rights 🌈, notably speaking out against North Carolina’s controversial bathroom law in 2016. Martine, if you're reading this, please come join me on an episode of The BioHub Podcast! 🎙️ #Biotech #Leadership #Innovation #LGBTQ #Xenotransplantation #MartineRothblatt #UnitedTherapeutics #Inspiration

To holding space and filling it with support, knowledge and deep acceptance of the full spectrum of humanity

Engagement takes on many forms - whether at the ballot box, at your workplace, or where you live. I am excited to moderate this panel of amazing folks in a few weeks in Boston. Register to connect and learn more. #DeepDemocracy

Inclusion is the core principle of a thriving society—the transformation in which all people can engage and know they are welcome. It is an ongoing fight against exclusionary social institutions, practices, and prejudices. The fight needs a coherent strategy that draws allyship, activism, and education into a heterogeneous whole. Nurturing inclusion creates space for a greater diversity of voices and talents, promoting innovation, problem-solving, and a more equitable society. But talking is not enough, and to build inclusion, it takes more than vocal support. We need active allies. We can be allies by standing with marginalized groups. Attending cultural events, volunteering with inclusion groups, or even shopping with diverse businesses all add another thread to the tapestry of inclusion. Finally, giving a voice to inclusion involves advocacy. Lobbying for policies ensuring that employment, educational organizations, and communities are fully inclusive would be one tool of the trade. This could mean contacting your representative, joining advocacy groups, or forming our own.

As we commence Global Pride Month at Lundbeck, we want to take this opportunity to celebrate diversity by honoring the movement in support of LGBTIQ+ culture and rights.   Throughout this month, our colleagues will come together to raise awareness. We will encourage courageous conversations about how to foster allyship - to stand up for each other, to amplify marginalized voices, and actively challenge biases.   Still, we know progress doesn’t happen at a moment in time. We have a responsibility to make Diversity, Equity & Inclusion part of everything we do - not only in June but every day. This starts with giving everyone a seat at the table. By including and respecting one another. And by being an active contributor to creating a world where everyone can live authentically as themselves. At Lundbeck, we’re committed to cultivating an environment where diversity thrives and every voice is heard. Our CEO, Charl van Zyl, shares his insights on why fostering inclusion isn’t just a policy, but a core part of our identity 👇 #PrideMonth #Unite #EveryBrainInTheGame