Mohammed Arshad Ali

I joined the Rochdale Science Initiative C.I.C (RSI) because I recognised the longstanding barriers that prevent underprivileged individuals from harnessing their talents in STEM and advancing in their fields. As a Barrister from a working-class BAME background, I have personally faced numerous challenges in pursuing my profession. I wanted to leverage my skills as an advocate to champion talented young scientists who have been overlooked and unheard.

My involvement with RSI began when I attended one of the Science Extravaganza events. I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and talent displayed by young children who had a keen interest in science. Witnessing their potential, I made the decision to join RSI and serve as their voice. I am determined to ensure that their talent and passion do not go to waste simply because they lack someone to advocate for them.

RSI serves as a platform for recognising and nurturing the brilliance of young individuals. Our mission is to bring science education and opportunities directly to them, especially those who are often marginalised. We aim to bridge the gap between these talented individuals and the leading universities and institutions in the UK. By doing so, we can empower underprivileged working-class children to transform their interests in science into thriving careers.

Our vision for RSI is to become a catalyst for change. We strive to facilitate access to science education for more young individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. By creating opportunities and building bridges, we aim to ensure that no child is left behind and that they have the chance to flourish in the scientific sector, which has historically been dominated by a single category of people.