Celebrating 20 Years of Imperial As One
Tracing two decades of endurance and impact
Launched in 2005, Imperial As One (IAO) is an advisory committee and university-wide network made up of Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised staff, postgraduate students and allies to help raise awareness and set priorities on racial equality, diversity and inclusion.
IAO’s mission is to level the playing field for racially and ethnically minoritised members of the Imperial community, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed and thrive.
To achieve this mission, Imperial As One focuses on five key objectives:
- Collaborating with the University to identify and dismantle barriers that hinder the progress of BAME staff and students.
- Supporting Imperial’s application to the Race Equality Charter and advancing racial equity initiatives.
- Providing career and personal development opportunities through networking, mentoring, training, and skills workshops.
- Raising the profile of BAME staff and highlighting their contributions across the University.
- Leading efforts to build meaningful partnerships—both within Imperial and across the higher education sector and beyond.
Through its leadership and advocacy, IAO has sought to be a driving force for positive change and representation within the university.
As IAO celebrates its 20th anniversary, this moment offers an opportunity to reflect on two decades of advocacy, action, and impact. This piece follows the network's journey from its original vision to its latest achievements, highlighting a story of transformation, resilience, and impact at the heart of Imperial College London.
A word from the Executive Sponsor, Professor Mary Ryan
As Imperial As One marks its 20th anniversary, this milestone provides an important moment to reflect on the network’s contributions to equity, diversity, and inclusion—both within Imperial College London and across the wider higher education sector.
Established in 2005, Imperial As One has supported efforts to advance racial equity through advocacy, collaboration, and sustained community engagement. By addressing structural inequalities and creating space for the voices of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and postgraduate students, the network has helped foster a more inclusive institutional environment. It has also informed the University's broader work to embed the values of fairness, respect and belonging in both policy and practice.
This work has taken place in parallel with the development of Imperial’s institutional strategies on equality, diversity, and inclusion, and has made a meaningful contribution to the University’s understanding of the lived experiences of staff and students. It has also played an important role in informing wider initiatives to improve representation, support progression, and ensure inclusive leadership across the university.
Through initiatives such as the Media Academy, and ongoing work in mentoring, professional development and cultural programming, Imperial As One continues to demonstrate the value of grassroots engagement working in concert with institutional priorities. The network’s work reflects the commitment and collaborative effort of its members over many years.
It is a privilege to serve as Executive Sponsor, and I continue to learn from the thoughtful and considered contributions this community brings to our shared work. As we look ahead, I am confident that Imperial As One will continue to support constructive dialogue and practical progress in building a more inclusive academic community.
IAO was born from the vision and commitment of five pioneering founders: Christine Yates, Rudi Page, Dr Mark Richards and Dr Sunday Popo Ola and Dr Subo Shanmuganathan. Recognising the need for a dedicated space to address racial equity and to amplify the voices of BAME staff and students at Imperial College London, they laid the groundwork for what would become one of the College’s most enduring and impactful networks.
Before its official launch, a series of Communities of Practice sessions brought together staff from across the University. It was during one of these sessions that a consensus was formed to name the group IAO, a name that captured the spirit of unity and shared purpose. The participation and input of staff in these sessions were vital in shaping the group’s identity.
In its inaugural year, IAO was already hosting thought-provoking and inclusive events, including knowledge-sharing symposia, student forums, and widening participation initiatives such as Creative Futures (2006 - 2007). Dr Subo Shanmuganathan was instrumental during this formative period, championing the inclusion of postdoctoral researchers and playing a key role in supporting both the Creative Futures workshops and the mentoring programme. These early activities in 2005 reflected the group’s twin focus on both elevating BAME voices within the institution and engaging the wider community through outreach and education.
By 2007–08, IAO sharpened its strategic direction, placing renewed emphasis on professional develop, capacity building, and progression for BAME staff. This period marked a notable increase in engagement from senior academics, managers, and institutional champions, signalling a growing recognition of the network’s value at Imperial and potential impact. To consolidate this momentum, IAO created the IAO Research Group, designed to bring together academics and alumni in a formal structure to inform practice and policy through research and lived experience.
Imperial as One was designed for talent development, knowledge sharing and system influencing."
A further significant milestone came in 2007 with the launch of iLEAD—a professional and career development programme tailored specifically for BAME staff. iLEAD represented a bold and practical step toward addressing disparities in representation and advancement across the College.
These were important foundational years which set the tone for the decade that followed.
If you want to walk fast, walk alone, however, if you want to walk far, walk together. Those of us who started IAO have walked together right from the start, hence the reason why IAO is here, today, celebrating 20 years of existence and helping all of us to achieve our goals, mission and objectives of the group."
Crucially, the early development of IAO was supported by the then-Rector, Sir Richard Sykes, whose authority and endorsement provided the necessary institutional backing for the group to take root. He publicly acknowledged the significance of IAO’s work, stating:
“The establishment of the Imperial As One race equality advisory group is a milestone in the history of the University, and one of which we are very proud. Since its inception in 2005, the group’s achievements have served to reflect the progress of Imperial and its community."
Between 2011 and 2016, IAO solidified its role as influential voice for racial equity at Imperial College London through laying down key structures and curated impactful initiatives that combined professional development, cultural celebration, and institutional advocacy.
On 23 August 2011, under the leadership of its Chair Betty Yue, IAO celebrated its fifth anniversary. This milestone event served as a platform to raise awareness of the network across the College and reflect on the achievements. It was a moment to honour the progress made and to galvanise support for the journey ahead. By 2013, IAO had established a formal committee structure, complete with designated roles to ensure a more coordinated and strategic approach to its activities. This structural foundation allowed the network to expand its reach and influence.
A standout moment for me was organising the Cross-Universities Race Equality Forum. It was incredibly powerful to bring together institutions across London to exchange good practice, confront shared challenges, and build collective momentum for advancing race equality in higher education.”
In 2014, IAO continued to advocate for the professional growth of BAME staff through tailored development events, including a keynote by Sandra Kerr, CEO of Race for Opportunity. A major milestone that year was the launch of IMPACT (Imperial Positive about Cultural Talent), an in-house development programme led by Audrey Linton of P31 Consulting. Outside the workplace, IAO also fostered community spirit through events such as a charity pub quiz in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.
In 2015, IAO continued to blend cultural celebration with educational engagement. For Chinese New Year, committee member Betty Yue produced a horoscope celebrating the occasion and engaging staff in cultural reflection. Black History Month featured prominently in the year’s calendar, with standout events including a lecture by Tunji Akintokun, Director at Cisco and alumnus of Imperial’s MSc in Information Systems Engineering, who shared his personal and professional journey.
Another highlight was Dr Bianca Wilson’s case study presentation on a social programme designed to support high-achieving young Black men from disadvantaged backgrounds in accessing top-tier universities and competitive careers—an initiative that resonated strongly with IAO’s mission to dismantle barriers to opportunity.
Under the leadership of IAO Chair Zarine Khurshid, the network continued to gain momentum, laying the groundwork for the transformative work that would define the years to come.
Deepening Impact: Community, Culture and Conversations (2016–2020)
From 2016 to 2020, IAO entered a period of consolidation, deepening its focus on staff development, cultural awareness, and the lived experiences of BAME staff and students within the University. A sense of stronger community engagement, more visible cultural programming, and a renewed emphasis on leadership transitions within the network itself had been achieved.
2016 was a particularly important year, IAO launched peer mentoring circles—an innovative initiative aimed at supporting BAME staff in setting and achieving their career goals. This peer-led model provided a safe and collaborative space to share experiences, navigate challenges, and support each other’s professional growth. Further, a Black History Month cultural awareness lunch offered a more informal opportunity to celebrate and explore the rich diversity within the Imperial community, complemented by a film screening of Long Walk to Freedom, chronicling the life of Nelson Mandela.
Not less significant was the beginning of an Action Inquiry (AI) project focused on the experiences of BAME staff at Imperial. This reflective and evidence-based process demonstrated IAO’s growing interest in not only fostering community but also influencing structural change through inquiry and data-driven dialogue.
In 2017, IAO welcomed new leadership as Justine Lesforis and Dunni Joseph stepped into the roles of Chair and Co-Chair, respectively. IAO reached new heights with a major event featuring Akala, MOBO award-winning poet and political activist.
By 2018, leadership transitioned once again, with Poh-Leng Devare and Des Samuel taking over as Co-Chairs with Sarah Essilfie-Quaye as the Communications and Events Manager. Under their leadership, Black History Month was elevated through a compelling digital exhibition titled ‘Inspirations’, which showcased the contributions of BAME staff, students, and alumni across the University. It served not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a visual statement of inclusion and pride.
I am most effective when I am part of a wider mission. When I feel I belong. An opportunity to join the network as a co-chair arose. With support from my line manager in the Faculty of Medicine, I applied. The network was at its lowest. I had the skills and experience to help turn the network around. To help build a powerful force capable of delivering real change at Imperial."
IAO also engaged with pressing health and social justice issues. In collaboration with the UBS Cultural Awareness Network, it hosted events on health disparities disproportionately affecting Black and Asian communities. A powerful session with the Anthony Nolan Trust raised awareness about the urgent need to diversify the UK’s stem cell register, connecting the importance of representation to life-saving outcomes.
A further highlight of 2018 was a partnership between the Imperial College African Caribbean Society and IAO to welcome Tony Warner from Black History Walks. His talk provided crucial historical context and brought to light the often-overlooked contributions of Black Britons throughout history.
2019 saw increased engagement with network members and an expansion of the committee. Poh-Leng left Imperial and IAO gained two new co-chairs, Sarah Essilfie-Quaye and Yani King, alongside Des Samuel. As part of Imperial College’s Black History Month celebrations in 2019, Imperial hosted an In Conversation talk with David Lammy. David Lammy drew on his experience as an active backbench MP to engage with some of the major issues facing society at both macro and micro levels.
The conversation was led by Dr Wayne A Mitchell, IAO co-Chair, . The conversation focused on topics such as diversity in Higher Education, the Black Attainment Gap, and the effects of the term ‘Imperial’ at Imperial College London. The event lasted for one hour, featuring 40 minutes of conversation and 20 minutes of questions from the floor.
In 2020, the world faced significant challenges as the Covid-19 pandemic prompted a sudden transformation in work practices, highlighted disparities in health outcomes for ethnically minoritised communities, and was marked by the murder of George Floyd, which reignited the #BlackLivesMatter movement. During this time, IAO emerged as a source of support for many by offering guidance to leadership and fostering a sense of community. Through initiatives such as regular Coffee Mornings and Afternoon Teas, it provided a safe and welcoming space for network members to connect and share their experiences.
George Floyd - Action against Racism
George Floyd - Action against Racism
In June 2020, IAO hosted a powerful and timely events including "Building Alliances in the Face of Atrocity" and "The Windrush Legacy: The Power of Education." The Windrush Legacy brought together leading voices from across the Imperial community to reflect on the lasting impact of the Windrush Generation and the transformative role of education in shaping lives. The event featured an engaging panel discussion with Dr Rahma Elmahdi, Professor Chris Jackson, Dr Mark Richards, and Dr Sunday Popo-Ola, all of whom shared personal insights and professional reflections on heritage, identity, and the pursuit of academic excellence. The conversation was enriched by an intergenerational perspective, with contributions from both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Chaired by Dr Wayne A Mitchell, alongside co-hosts Dr Jerelle Joseph and De-Shaine Murray, the session served as both a celebration and a critical dialogue.
Established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Belonging interview series emerged as a timely and deeply personal response to the under-representation of minority ethnic communities within higher education. Spearheaded by IAO and led by Dr Wayne A Mitchell, Senior Teaching Fellow in the Department of Immunology and Inflammation, the series offered an online platform to spotlight the lived experiences of staff, students, and alumni from underrepresented backgrounds.
The inspiration for Belonging stemmed from Dr Mitchell’s Master’s research, which explored the experiences of Black students at Imperial and their sense of identity and inclusion within the institution. During focus groups, many students shared that they did not feel represented in the academic environment—an observation that struck a personal chord with Dr Mitchell.
“I remember rarely seeing Black lecturers when I was at university,” he reflected. “Hearing today’s students voice the same concerns made it clear that something needed to change.”
With the College’s staff and students working remotely, Belonging was launched as a weekly online interview series. It quickly became a powerful medium for storytelling, allowing individuals to share their personal and professional journeys, and to reflect on themes of identity, inclusion, and resilience. Through open, often moving conversations, the series humanised the broader discourse on ethnicity, identity and belonging in academia and beyond. More than just a digital project, Belonging represented a shift in institutional culture—an invitation to listen, to reflect, and to begin building a more inclusive and empathetic university community.
I am humbled that people have trusted me enough to come on the platform and share their life experiences.”
As IAO moved through the second half of its second decade, the network expanded its mission beyond community-building and professional development to embrace institutional visibility, public engagement, and cultural connection.
A flagship initiative launched in 2021, the Imperial As One Media Academy (IAOMA) marked a bold evolution in the network’s strategic vision. Developed in collaboration with Imperial’s Communications Division, IAOMA responded directly to persistent challenges faced by researchers from underrepresented backgrounds—including underrepresentation in mainstream media and limited access to research funding. The programme was designed to amplify the work and voices of BME researchers, providing training in five key areas of communication: media, social media, podcasting, video, and public engagement.
The initiative was initially funded by the President’s Office under Professor Alice Gast in 2021, followed by support from the EDI Centre’s training fund in 2022. In 2023, funding from Research England enabled significant expansion, including the appointment of a dedicated project manager, Ellie Cawthera, who not only played a key role in delivery but also led a comprehensive evaluation of the programme’s impact. This growth also facilitated new partnerships with the Institute of Cancer Research (2024) and the Francis Crick Institute (2025), further extending the Academy’s reach and influence.
IAOMA Media Academy at Staff Awards 2024
IAOMA Media Academy at Staff Awards 2024
Organised and delivered by a dynamic and evolving team, the Academy's success has been driven by strong collaboration and a shared commitment to inclusive excellence and creating space for more diverse voices. Initial communications were led by Kate Wighton and Maxine Myers, with early coordination from Al McCartney and Dr Sarah Essilfie-Quaye, and support from Desmond Samuel and Dr Wayne Mitchell from IAO. Management trainees Fola Afolabi and Jack Robinson also provided valuable administrative support. When Kate left Imperial, Hayley Dunning joined the team to continue leading communications and engagement.
Throughout its development, the Academy has remained committed to inclusive delivery—prioritising facilitators and trainers from BME backgrounds wherever possible and ensuring the programme reflects the communities it aims to support.
Since its launch in 2021, the programme has run annually with five cohorts and a total of 120 graduates to date, in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research and the Francis Crick Institute, with plans for further expansion. Each year, the programme has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who not only rate it highly but either act on what they have learnt or intend to apply the skills they acquired.
It's a fantastic opportunity. The course empowers people and builds confidence, which is essential for a community that is often overlooked and therefore needs the additional support."
Over the 16 months to July 2024, IAOMA research graduates featured in 77 online news stories about their research. Outlets include Imperial’s news site and industry specialist media as well as high-profile sites such as the Evening Standard, The Guardian (India) and MSN News US (links below). They have also been featured in radio shows and podcasts as well as in public engagement event.
The Imperial As One Media Academy is one of the ways we are addressing some of the barriers faced by BME researchers and is an example of our Imperial values in action.”
Eat the World
Eat the World
In June 2024, IAO returned to the heart of community with Eat the World: Connecting through Food, a vibrant and celebratory event inviting members of the Imperial community to share dishes from their cultural backgrounds. More than a culinary gathering, the event highlighted the power of food to tell stories, foster empathy, and build bridges. Attendees shared meals and narratives, bringing to life the idea that behind every dish is a journey—of heritage, identity, and belonging. Eat the World embodied the spirit of IAO—joyful, connective, and grounded in the values of equity and cultural pride.
Beyond Ethnicity Career Conference (BECC) 2024
Beyond Ethnicity Career Conference (BECC) 2024
IAO has played a key role in advancing inclusion and cultural change at the College through a range of innovative, community-led initiatives including Lunar New Year celebrations, BSL lessons, BBSTEM collaborations, and theatre and museum trips. Supported by the EDI Seed Fund, projects like Say My Name, Diverse Voices, MixedRaceFaces x Imperial, and Meet the Author have created new ways to celebrate identity, build understanding, and elevate underrepresented voices. The Festival of Names (2024) and the Beyond Ethnicity Career Conference—most recently held in 2024 with a keynote by Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, co-founder of Stemettes—have provided powerful platforms for visibility, connection, and development. Aimed at early career ethnic minority staff and students, including research, professional, technical, operational staff, and MSc/PhD students, the conference reflects IAO’s commitment to advancing equity at every level. Beyond events, IAO’s initiatives such as the IAO Reading List, the Staff Focus Group Report (2020), and input from the History Working Group have shaped institutional thinking and provided valuable insights to College leadership. Together, these efforts demonstrate IAO’s enduring role as both a voice for its members and a catalyst for long-term, meaningful change across Imperial.
IAO has recently endorsed nascent initiatives to identify staff from Latin American backgrounds. Further, IAO has supported the Black Postdoctoral Network; several members from the Network have benefited from taking part in the IMPACT Leadership programme.
Endnotes
Imperial’s diversity networks aim to represent different staff groups at Imperial to inform and develop policy, raise awareness of issues, organise events, and act as a safe space. Read about their impact here.
IAO works to support and promote an inclusive workplace culture of respect, opportunity, unity, transparency, and equality, and will continually tackle and manage issues of racism, discrimination, fear, and prejudice. This was recognised in 2008 with IAO winning the Rector’s Award for Equality Excellence. In 2021 the IAO co-chairs won The President’s Medal for Excellence in Culture and Community and all the IAO committee were awarded The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for Culture and Community. In 2024 the IAO Media Academy team won The President’s Award for Excellence in Culture and Community and shortlisted for the Times Higher Education. 2025 sees the team nominated for two Pros Awards: Not for Profit Campaign of the Year and Public Sector Campaign of the Year.
How to join Imperial As One
IAO is the race equity network for staff and postgraduate students who identify as members of a minoritised ethnic community. Allies are also welcome!
Imperial staff and students can join the IAO MS Teams by clicking here, and everyone can subscribe to the As One mailing list. Please enter your Imperial email address on this web page.
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