Supporting LGBTQ+ epidemiologists in the UK during research-related travel and international collaboration

Conferences, fieldwork, international positions, and collaborations with international partners are beneficial to any epidemiologist, strengthening relationships with fellow scientists, policymakers, health professionals, and those affected by the studied disease. However, international working can pose unique challenges for minority groups. In the UK, LGBTQ+ scientists have a degree of legal protection against discrimination, and universities often have LGBTQ+ staff-student networks that provide support. By contrast, international work can present barriers that non-LGTBQ+ colleagues may not be aware of, such as stress when travelling to countries with anti-LGBTQ+ laws, policies, or sentiments. Homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic beliefs, policies, and actions fluctuate over time, but persist or are on the rise in many locations across the world, including high-income countries. Without institutional support, work-related travel can present a cognitive burden, threatening both physical safety and mental well-being of LGBTQ+ researchers. At Imperial College London, we have worked to address these challenges by developing resources and training for LGBTQ+ staff, students, and allies. We developed an initiative including the creation of online written resources, integration of these materials into travel safety protocols, and a partnership with a LGBTQ+ mental health organization to offer in-person training. We present our experience developing these resources, describe feedback of training participants, and discuss strategies for institutions to develop their own support resources, fostering greater equity in the research experience for individuals of all identities.