15th Apr 2024

BNA Face of the Fortnight aims to showcase the breadth, depth, and variety of neuroscience in the UK and abroad.

BNA Face of the Fortnight: Monday 15^th April 2024

Colby Benari is a passionate leader and CEO of In2scienceUK, a charity dedicated to empowering young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). She has over ten years of experience of developing programmes to promote diversity in higher education and research as well as building career pipelines to increase access to the full range of opportunities available in STEM. Colby is also a Trustee of the McPin Foundation, a mental health research charity.

Colby is passionate to showcase the work of In2scienceUK. In2scienceUK is a social mobility charity that supports young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to progress to careers. They are working to create a future in which:

• The value of diversity in STEM careers is understood and respected
• The power of a diverse STEM workforce is harnessed to solve key global problems
• Young people can progress to vibrant STEM careers and education regardless of their background

Each fortnight, we will also ask our featured individuals for ‘Top Tips’ that they would give to you if you are looking to get into the neuroscience industry.

Here’s what Colby had to say:

“When you step outside of bench research you realise that there is an incredible range of opportunities and roles around science. These organisations serve to support, fund and ensure we get the most out of scientific research. The charity sector is a part of this vibrant ecosystem. Organisations like In2scienceUK support and diversify the student base and workforce learning about conducting research and this serves to enrich scientific research.

The charity sector is competitive with junior roles being especially sought after. But don't be tempted to do unpaid internships. They are unethical and can be low quality. Instead network widely, understand the requirements of your preferred roles and be targeted in your applications.

For each role, try to bring out a unique perspective or experience that you can bring to the role. Perhaps your education in neuroscience can be combined with an interest in coding? Bring that out even if your coding interest is only a hobby.

Breaking into the charity sector can be challenging, but it is an interesting sector with diverse opportunities and worth the effort it takes to do well.”