The first LGBTQ+ in STEM Conference in Canada will be held on the University of Windsor campus Friday and Saturday, Oct. 4 and 5.

“Our aim is to bring together researchers in all fields of STEM to highlight and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community,” says Tricia Carmichael, conference co-chair and associate dean of graduate studies and research for the Faculty of Science.

Co-chair James Gauld, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, says: “It’s important to provide a platform for unrepresented groups, including those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.”

The conference offers an opportunity to discuss a broad range of scientific topics as well as issues pertaining to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to create new opportunities for collaboration. Speakers from the disciplines of chemistry, medicine, physics, mathematics, neuroscience, and economics will be in attendance, as well as panellists with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.

“This is a step towards building more strong and supportive communities that include LGBTQ+ people and their allies,” says Dr. Carmichael.

Opening remarks will begin at 5:45 p.m. Friday in the atrium of the Toldo Health Education Centre by Dr. Gauld, Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens, dean of science Chris Houser, and University of Windsor president Robert Gordon. The plenary lecture will be presented by Nola Etkin, dean of science at the University of Prince Edward Island.

“We are thankful for the extraordinary support we have received from the University of Windsor to host this event, showing the respect the campus has for the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community,” says Carmichael.

For further details on other panels and discussions at the LGBTQ+ in STEM Conference as well as the full schedule, visit the conference’s website at https://lgbtqplusstem.ca/.

—Darko Milenkovic