We had a fruitful and insightful discussion with Prof. Kevin Laland about EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at universities and the rewards and challenges of fighting for gender equality and inclusivity, racial equality and representation, and more.

EDI efforts are often initially met with resistance and sometimes outright hostility, and so perseverance is key. Outcomes that are positive and visible can change negative attitudes over time. But topdown support for EDI within a uni or dept makes a crucial difference.

Multiple, small, but concrete things can make a real difference. For new parents, keeping in touch days, small expenditures to facilitate remote working or paying for childcare one day per week so they can come into the office helps close the leaky pipeline and retain women scientists.

For department and universities, such ways of spending money also help to save money: finding, hiring and training teaching and scientific staff on a regular basis costs much more than helping to retain the staff you already have!