This event, which was held on 27 March 2024, is part of the Decolonisation seminar series.
Members of the BBS Decolonisation Project together with Dr Joycelin Eze-Okubuiro, Dr Alice Ronson, Dr Browen Burton and Dr Sharin McDowall-Emefiele
The main objective of this seminar was to facilitate knowledge exchange by providing a platform for researcher to share insights, and research findings related to the decolonization efforts in different universities. It sought to foster dialogue by encouraging open discussions and constructive discourse among participants to enhance collective understanding of the complexities involved in decolonization initiatives. Additionally, the seminar highlighted best practices and promoted collaboration by showcasing successful decolonization models and practices implemented by universities, thereby creating opportunities for partnership and cooperative efforts.
The seminar series consisted of multiple speaker, each focusing on specific aspects of the decolonization process. The first speakers, Dr Alice Ronson and Dr Browen Burton, lecturers in Biomedical sciences, from the University of Bristol presented their research titled "Decolonising and Diversifying the Biomedical Sciences Curricula." They detailed their study, which surveyed both staff and students to gauge understanding and attitudes towards decolonization. Initial findings indicated that ethnic minority students felt less represented by the curriculum compared to their white peers. However, follow-up surveys revealed that both students and staff increasingly recognized the importance of these efforts, with greater awareness and support for ongoing decolonization and diversification initiatives.
The second speaker, Dr Joycelin Eze-Okubuiro, a Lecturer in Law at the University of Leicester, focused on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of decolonization. Dr. Eze-Okubuiro led a robust discussion on the multifaceted benefits of decolonization initiatives, challenging attendees to consider the potential for these efforts to be one-sided and urging a balanced approach.
Overall, the seminar was a success, providing a valuable forum for researchers and educators to exchange knowledge and strengthen their commitment to decolonizing the higher education curriculum. The insights gained and the networks formed during this event are expected to drive forward the decolonization agenda, fostering more inclusive and representative academic environments across universities.
Assistant Professor in Economics
Dr Sharin McDowall-Emefiele is a Lecturer in Economics in the Department of Economics at Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, UK.
