The Institute of Genetics and Cancer has a wide range of committees, societies and groups, bringing together those with shared interests and providing support for colleagues. Equality, Diversity, Inclusivity and Athena Swan Committee (EDIAS) Athena SWAN Awards aim to improve the work-place culture and ultimately provide gender equality for all. The IGC holds a SILVER Athena SWAN Award and is in the process of resubmitting its application to retain that award by providing evidence of positive change on gender-equality issues through a gender equality survey. Genetic Modification and Biological Safety Committee (GMBSC) The GMBSC ensures that work with Biological Agents (BAs), Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMOs) and Genetically Modified Animals (GM Animals) at the IGC is risk assessed, suitably contained and suitably controlled. Health and Safety Committee The IGC's Health and Safety Committee supports the development and implementation of a health and safety management system, advising the Health and Safety Manager and the IGC Executive on risk management.It also consults with staff and students, and where applicable, representatives of employee safety, University of Edinburgh representatives and local authorities, to ensure appropriate consultation and representation on health, safety and welfare matters. Imaging Steering Committee The Advanced Imaging Resource (AIR) hosts more than 20 imaging systems and provides analysis workstations which run different software packages. The Imaging Steering Committee, with members from each IGC centre, meets once a year. Postdoctoral Society (PODS) PODS aims to assist postdoctoral and early-career researchers at the IGC in career development, networking, developing collaborations, and finding resources for advice, mentorship, technical expertise, development of management and soft skills.It also co-organises the biennial Scottish Biomedical Researcher Conference, with the next conference to be held this year. Postgraduate Society (POGS) POGS is a student-run committee open to all IGC students. Its aim is to improve the student experience at the IGC, promote collaboration, provide support and have fun. It organises events throughout the year including an annual student retreat, Burns’ Night ceilidh, pub quiz, poster evening and careers event. Postgraduate Studies Committee The Postgraduate Studies Committee is responsible for overseeing the monitoring and assessment lifecycle and student experience across the IGC. Research Culture Group The Research Culture Group aims to promote and develop a positive local research culture by sharing best practice, signposting to available resources, holding events and recommending areas of improvement. Seminar Committee The Seminar Committee, with members from each Institute centre, organises the IGC’s annual programme of seminars. Social Committee The Social Committee organises events throughout the year for everyone across the Institute. Events include a monthly gathering on the last Friday evening of the month, as well as a book club, craft club and regular coffee catch-ups in the Nucleus social space. Sustainability Group The Sustainability Group is made up of staff who are interested in, and passionate about, making the work environment a more sustainable place. It is working with College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine colleagues to apply for a Silver Award for IGC laboratories. Technician Group Technicians and technologists undertake a wide variety of roles critical to IGC science. As part of the University of Edinburgh, we have a Technician Commitment and have pledged action to ensure the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of all technicians. The Technician Group has been formed to convene social, networking, career and training events locally. Wellbeing Committee The Wellbeing Committee aims to promote and facilitate physical and mental wellbeing for staff and students, both in and out of the workplace.It runs promotions, events and campaigns to highlight ways that the Institute can support an individual and raises awareness of services and support in the wider University community and beyond. This article was published on 2024-09-23
