Professor Giles Oldroyd: "It Takes Bravery To Be Openly Queer"
Prof. Giles Oldroyd speaks candidly about his experiences as an LGBTQIA+ scientist.
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Professor Giles Oldroyd is a leading expert on plant biology. He is one of the few openly queer scientists who have been inducted into both the prestigious Royal Society (UK) and the National Academy of Sciences (USA).
Oldroyd directs the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, an institute focused on improving the equity and sustainability of global agriculture. He also leads the global research consortium, ENSA. In these two roles, Oldroyd oversees a diverse and international team of ~200 scientists. He uses his leadership platform to advocate for diversity across STEMM fields while advancing ground-breaking research to improve the sustainability of agriculture around the world.
Molly Coddington (MC): Can you talk about your research interests?
Giles Oldroyd (GO): My research focuses on understanding how plants engage with beneficial microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which facilitate the capture of nutrients from the environment. I study the signaling and developmental processes necessary to accommodate these microorganisms and the means by which we can enhance these associations to greater benefit agriculture.
MC: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM?
GO: Even after more than 30 years as an academic, science still excites me. I love those moments of discovery, those moments when you see a result for the first time and suddenly you understand something in a way you didn’t previously. I’m especially motivated by the prospect of my research having a tangible impact on the betterment of society and the planet.
I really enjoy working with people, helping them as much as I can to advance their own thinking and move forward in following their passions. I really enjoy watching someone develop as a scientist and I am particularly appreciative when I can help women and minorities in science.
MC: What would you describe as the achievements you are most proud of?
GO: I am extremely proud of the work I have done that has helped open up our understanding of how plants engage proactively with beneficial microorganisms. It is particularly satisfying to see a gene I discovered as a postdoctoral scientist, 25 years ago, now underpinning crop improvements that we are currently testing in the field.
MC: In your opinion, what are the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing in STEMM? What more could be done to support them?
GO: LGBTQIA+ scientists are more visibly represented today than when I began my career – especially at the University of Cambridge – and I’m happy to say I’m seeing more and more LGBTQIA+ scientists emerging.
However, diversity among leadership is still lacking, and this reinforces the perception that success is only for a narrow sector of society. Greater representation at the higher levels of academia is not only good for diversity but it’s good for innovation and for science.
Growing up LGBTQIA+ is not easy, and I know I bring that baggage to work. Mentoring LGBTQIA+ scientists and, indeed, all minorities, requires a sensitivity of understanding, which is often lacking in academic institutions dominated by scientists who have benefitted from their majority status. Peer support groups and sensitive mentors are really important to build the confidence of minority scientists and to help them thrive.
MC: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+?
GO: Yes, unfortunately, I have worked in toxic environments, in which I was bullied by my seniors and left fighting to be heard, valued and appreciated. At this time, I knew of few other LGBTQIA+ scientists and was constantly told I needed to have a thick skin to survive. This environment is extremely detrimental to one’s mental health. I moved to a different institution.
MC: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be?
GO: See your uniqueness as your strength. Try not to be afraid to turn up authentically as yourself at work. You have a gift to offer organizations: by presenting your unique take on sexuality or gender identity, you allow others at that organization to feel more comfortable in their own differences.
It takes bravery to be openly queer. But I have learned that years of compromising your queer identity undermines your self-worth and ultimately is a path to poor mental health. Thriving as a scientist means thriving as a person. Be brave and show who you truly are – you may be surprised how positive the reaction could be.
Professor Giles Oldroyd was speaking to Molly Coddington, Senior Science Writer and News Team Lead at Technology Networks.
About the interviewee:
Giles Oldroyd, professor of crop science at the University of Cambridge, is a leading expert on plant biology, and is one of the few openly queer scientists who has been inducted into both the prestigious Royal Society (UK), and the National Academy of Sciences (USA).
He directs the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, which is an institute focused on improving equity and sustainability of global agriculture. Prof. Oldroyd is also the leader of the global research consortium, Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA). In these two roles Prof. Oldroyd oversees a diverse and international team of around 200 scientists. He uses his leadership platform to advocate for diversity across STEM fields while advancing ground-breaking research to improve the sustainability of agriculture around the world.
