Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award Previous Winners
The Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award recognises individuals or groups who have made a significant contribution to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within applied microbiology. The award celebrates work that improves access, participation, representation and culture across the microbiology community. Click the links below to read about recent winners.
Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2025
MSE Working Group
The Microbes and Social Equity (MSE) Working Group is an international, interdisciplinary network focused on understanding how microbiomes intersect with social equity, justice, health, and sustainability. Founded in 2020, MSE brings together researchers, practitioners, educators, and community partners to connect microbiology with social science, policy, and practice.
Named the team winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2025, MSE was recognised for its leadership in advancing equity and inclusion across research, education, and engagement in applied microbiology. The group’s work addresses inequities in microbial exposures, access to healthy environments, and participation in science itself, while fostering inclusive collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Through seminars, publications, and community-driven initiatives, MSE continues to broaden how microbiology engages with real-world social challenges and contributes to more equitable and sustainable outcomes.
Max Fisher
Max Fisher is a Senior Research Associate at ViaNautis Bio and a leading advocate for disability and LGBTQIA+ inclusion in science. Their work combines hands-on applied microbiology with sustained leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion across STEM.
Named the individual winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2025, Max was recognised for their long-standing commitment to dismantling barriers to participation and representation in science, particularly for disabled and queer researchers. Drawing on lived experience as a queer, DeafBlind, and disabled scientist, Max has been a visible and influential voice on intersectionality, workplace culture, and inclusive practice in research environments.
Alongside their research career, Max has led and supported initiatives that promote accessibility, dignity, and belonging in STEM, including employee resource groups and sector-wide advocacy. In 2024, they were named the UK’s most influential disabled scientist in the Disability Power 100, reflecting their impact both within and beyond the laboratory.
Max’s work exemplifies the values of the Dorothy Jones Award, highlighting how inclusive cultures and equitable practices strengthen science and enable talent to thrive.
Read more: Max Fisher named as individual winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award
Previous Winners
Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN)
The Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN) is an organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the commercial science and life sciences sectors. Founded by Daniel Similaki, ACCSN was established in response to the persistent lack of representation and meaningful engagement with Black and ethnic minority communities within STEM.
Named the winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024, ACCSN was recognised for its evidence-led, community-centred approach to improving access, representation, and progression in science. Through outreach, mentoring, education, and industry collaboration, the network works to dismantle structural barriers and connect underrepresented groups with opportunities across the life sciences.
Under Daniel Similaki’s leadership, ACCSN has delivered a wide range of initiatives, including national engagement programmes, mentoring and career coaching, educational outreach with schools, and partnerships with industry and academic institutions. Its work has supported young people, students, and early-career professionals to access pathways into science, while helping organisations strengthen inclusive practice.
ACCSN’s impact reflects the values of the Dorothy Jones Award, demonstrating how sustained, inclusive action can help build a more representative and equitable scientific workforce.