This Black History Month, we’re proud to highlight the work of BBSTEM (Black British Professionals in STEM), a foundation dedicated to increasing the representation of Black talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Founded in 2024, the organisation is set to create a diverse and inclusive STEM landscape where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Representation matters, but the numbers show there’s still a long way to go:
1 in 5 STEM students in the UK is from an ethnic minority background – but only 0.3 in 5 are Black.
79.5% of white graduates achieve a 1st or 2:1 degree classification, compared to just 55.6% of Black graduates.
Black engineering graduates face an unemployment rate of 14% six months after graduation – more than double that of their white peers.
Only 34.1% of Black graduates move into high-skilled jobs, highlighting persistent barriers to equal opportunity.
BBSTEM’s mission is to ensure that the next generation of Black scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians not only enter these fields but thrive within them. Their work is helping to close the gap, break down barriers, and build a more inclusive future in STEM.