In this episode of Periodically, hosts Sofia and Lottie are joined by Chiara Cocco, a postdoctoral research associate at the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus at Heriot-Watt University, to discuss the research that's being undertaken by initiatives like the EDI Caucus to investigate the impact of menstrual health in research and innovation.

Listen to the episode for more on the impact of menstrual health on work, the need for supportive policies, the importance of open dialogue, and how workplaces can adapt to better accommodate those who menstruate.

(1:28) What is the EDI Caucus?
(7:35) The response to the EDI
(24:04) Menstruation and Fieldwork
(29:34) The discourse surrounding "Period Leave"

About the hosts:

Sofia: My name is Sofia and I'm a fourth-year Chemistry student at Oxford. I am also the co-founder of The Oxford Period, a campaign for access to free period products across the University.

Lottie: Hiya, I am Lottie and I am in my fourth-year. I have really enjoyed working on this podcast, especially as I am interested in how we better support students with their studies in chemistry once they arrive at university here.

We'd like to thank the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Fund, the University of Oxford Chemistry Department, and the EPSRC-funded OxICFM CDT for supporting the podcast.