A Resource to Support Decolonization of the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum

In our taught chemistry curricula, the majority of individualswho are used to illustrate historical aspects of chemistry topicsare white, western chemists. Decolonizing the undergraduate chemistrycurricula is increasingly recognized as an important step toward developinga more inclusive higher-education environment for students from minoritizedethnic backgrounds. Here, we provide the first openly accessible resourcethat provides examples of both individual scientists and groups thatcan be used to illustrate chemistry teaching, and hence provide rolemodel examples of scientists from different cultures. More generally,the resource provides a significant body of examples for chemistryeducators to use as they begin working toward decolonizing their curricula.

Automated summary

In our taught chemistry curricula, most of the historical figures used to illustrate chemistry topics are white, western chemists. Decolonizing the undergraduate chemistry curricula is seen as an important step towards creating a more inclusive higher education environment for students from marginalized ethnic backgrounds. This resource provides accessible examples of scientists from different cultures that can be used to teach chemistry and serve as role models, offering a significant contribution to educators working towards decolonizing their curricula.