What is unconscious bias?

Unconscious Bias occurs due to our brains using our background, personal experiences and cultural environment to make very quick judgements and assessments of people and situations. We are often not aware that we have these unconscious views and opinions but they will be influencing our thoughts and decisions.

Watch the Royal Society's short video to find out more about unconscious bias

How does the School of Chemistry tackle unconscious bias?

It is especially important for staff and student members on panels to recognise any unconscious bias and not allow it to affect their decision making.

Being aware of and trying to reduce unconscious bias is particularly significant during all stages of recruitment. To this end, the University had produced the following guides on unconscious bias for candidate shortlisting and candidate assessment at interview:

• Unconscious bias and shortlisting
• Unconscious bias and interview

How can I learn more about my own unconscious bias?

There are a number of useful online resources that can help you understand unconscious bias:

• The Royal Society's 'Understanding Unconscious Bias'
• Equality Challenge Unit's guide to Unconscious bias and staff recruitment
• The Harvard Implicit Test
• Consciously Combating Unconscious Bias (Science article)