The Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network (ACCSN), founded by Daniel Similaki, has been named as this year’s winner of the Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award 2024.

The prize is part of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards, which celebrate the brightest minds in the field and promote the research, groups, projects, products, and individuals who continue to help shape the future of applied microbiology.

The Dorothy Jones Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award honours Dorothy Jones’ commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within STEM. The award acknowledges individuals or organisations that have made significant strides in these areas. It celebrates initiatives that dismantle barriers to participation and representation, especially for underrepresented groups, and recognises inclusive research and experimental design and practice.

“We are so delighted to be able to present this well-deserved award to the Afro-Caribbean Commercial Science Network, in recognition of all the trailblazing work that they have carried out to address the challenges of diversity and inclusion in STEM,” said AMI chief executive Dr Lucy Harper.

Diversity, equity and inclusion

ACCSN was formed by Daniel Similaki after years of frustration with the lack of initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the commercial and broader life science industry. The organisation’s mission to boost the black and ethnic minority representation is shaped by both Daniel’s personal experiences, and the challenges faced by other minorities in the industry.

“Evidence suggests that many existing initiatives have not always connected meaningfully with the communities they aim to engage. From my own experience, I found it difficult to imagine career progression due to the absence of Black and ethnic role models in both the commercial science and the broader life sciences industry,” Daniel explains.

A German-born Afro-European, Daniel Similaki holds a BSc honours degree in Chemistry and has extensive experience in the commercial science industry, particularly in biotech and pharmaceuticals.

“I am a big believer in giving back to the world as much as possible and volunteered to go to Africa for two years and seven months on a medical outreach programme. During that life-changing experience I was graced to visit many countries such as Botswana, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia,” he says.

Evidence based DE&I

Daniel has experience in leading diversity and inclusion initiatives and in designing and developing inclusive training. Daniel describes his approach to DE&I as ‘Evidence based DE&I’, where he uses innovative and person-centric approaches to explore DE&I themes comfortably.

Under his leadership, ACCSN has made significant strides, including the following impactful achievements:

• Engagement Growth: ACCSN has connected with over 2,209 individuals nationwide, expanding its reach and influence.

• Corporate Launch: Organised a sold-out event attended by 200+ students and industry professionals, creating meaningful connections between emerging talent and experienced experts in the field.

• Educational Outreach: Hosted Science Days for more than 300 Year 5 and 6 pupils, inspiring young BAME students to pursue science careers and highlighting diverse role models. Also provided support for underprivileged students through summer school programmes to help them excel in their GCSEs.

• Mentorship Programme: Delivered weekly one-on-one mentoring sessions, offering tailored career coaching, CV workshops, and interview preparation, resulting in more job placements.

• Strategic Partnerships: Built strong collaborations with industry leaders like Avantor and the Royal Society of Chemistry, alongside educational institutions such as Imperial College London, to drive diversity and inclusion in life sciences.

This award aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which recognise that reduced inequalities are a core factor in attaining peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. This sits alongside strategies for achieving gender equality, eliminating disparities in education outcomes, ensuring equal access to education for all, and strengthening the global scientific workforce.

To find out more about AMI’s grants and awards, click HERE.