Building Blocks of Inclusion

Inclusion Architecture in Practice

My work ranges from Board-level advice and long-term institutional transformation to research culture, team science and the design of equitable global health and research partnerships.

Roshni Mooneeram portrait

What I do?

As an Inclusion Architect I operate at three interconnected levels:

  • Macro: continental and global policies and strategies that are underpinned by inclusion and re-balance power.

  • Meso: organisation-wide blueprints that embed inclusion into governance, research ecosystems and representational science, shifting institutions from programmatic EDI to systemic, future-focused change.​

  • Micro: coaching and learning journeys that equip leaders and teams to use inclusion as a lever for performance, innovation, and resilience.

My Approach

A number of factors make my approach unique. I take a strategic steer, as opposed to a programmatic one to inclusion (see The Architect’s Journal). I draw from global insights, inhouse leadership roles, lived and professional experience to help organisations develop bespoke strategies on representation and inclusion that are directly aligned with and support their organisational mission. I focus on the systemic dimensions of representation and inclusion, and take an evidence-based approach to identify gaps and devise targeted actions accordingly. My approach combines strategic insight with practical tools, enabling organisations to embed inclusive excellence as a driver of innovation, growth, and social impact.

My Building Blocks of Inclusion

  • Inclusion Architecture at the system level means designing the policies, strategies, and governance frameworks that embed inclusion into how regions, nations and organisations function. I work with leadership teams to translate vision into actionable frameworks, measurable goals, and implementation pathways owned internally.

    CERN: Inclusive excellence, governance and institutional accountability. External adviser and member of the CERN Diversity & Inclusion Board, supporting governance and accountability across organisational systems, leadership and scientific culture.

    SKA Observatory: Scientific excellence, global collaboration and societal impact. Adviser on integrating inclusion into one of the world's most ambitious international scientific endeavours, spanning the UK, South Africa and Australia.

    European Commission DG INTPA: Transformation in an intergovernmental organisation. Long-term strategic adviser connecting inclusive leadership, culture, recruitment, governance and institutional measurement.

    Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research: Institutional governance and accountability. External adviser and member of the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Board.

    Further work includes the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Heidelberg), where I developed the 2021–2025 and strategies for the African Union, UK public sector.

    HxC: Healthier Science through Collaboration: Amplifying diverse interdisciplinary scientists. Advisory member of the Public and Patient Involvement and Industry Group, on the conditions that enable interdisciplinary teams to collaborate effectively.

    Specialist strands include intergenerational intelligence: building organisations' capacity to understand and harness the different experiences, expectations and perspectives across a multigenerational workforce; and diversity of beliefs, advising on how belief and non-belief are integrated into inclusion strategy, culture and institutional cohesion in increasingly diverse, multinational workplaces.

  • Bespoke programmes that make inclusion the default setting of leadership, driving behavioural shifts that translate immediately into team norms, decisions, and systems. Leaders are supported to build diverse teams by design, leverage cognitive diversity for better decisions and innovation, mitigate bias, and generate psychological safety. A distinctive strand draws on epistemological frameworks from diverse geographies.

    Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry: Inclusive leadership and research culture. An ongoing partnership beginning with a senior programme for scientific leaders, now expanded into intergenerational mentoring for supervisors and early-career researchers (see intergenerational intelligence, above), with forthcoming PhD/postdoc retreats.

    Developed and implemented a bespoke Inclusive Leadership programme for all leaders at Friedrich Miescher Institute with resulting positive impact on organisational culture

    Also delivered Inclusive Leadership programmes for: Cochrane, the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, and the Wellcome Trust–funded Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative.

  • L&D architectures that equip people at every level with the mindsets and everyday practices to make inclusion tangible, reinforcing leadership programmes from the bottom up. Services include: capacity-building for D&I teams; coaching for D&I leaders; bias-mitigation and microaggression/bystander workshops; feedback and collaboration training; train-the-trainer programmes; large-group webinars (neuroinclusion, intergenerational diversity, gender diversity, diversity of beliefs); and bespoke programmes aligned to wider organisational strategy.

  • Coaching for leaders navigating complexity and designing inclusive systems supported by over a decade of practice across research institutes, Fortune 500 companies and international organisations, grounded in coaching epistemologies from different geographies and the EMCC competency framework.

    Wellcome Trust–funded global health programme: Equity in clinical and research learning environments. Lead advisory partner on Mentorship as a Tool for Equity, strengthening inclusive research and clinical learning environments in Sierra Leone with local and international partners.

    See also Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, above: inclusive leadership development now extended into intergenerational mentoring and mentoring of PhD students and postdocs.

  • Keynotes and talks bringing systemic inclusion to rooms where decisions are made for leadership retreats, EU institutions, flagship science organisations and Fortune 500 companies. Audiences include 1,500 at Westminster, London, 1,500 at DG INTPA in Brussels and 40,000+  in China (Sino-European Key Lab, March 2025).

Contact me for your first complimentary consultation

My inclusive Leadership Programme: creating a change ecosystem

I have found that making inclusive leadership the norm is the catalyst for change in organisations. As leaders become proficient in inclusive behaviours and practices, and become agents of change, they trigger a culture reset.

People walking through a modern city street with the Tower Bridge in London in the background.

The human skills that leaders need for a global and diverse workforce in a rapidly shifting world are not always covered by standard Leadership programmes. For example,  leaders need to:

  • identify and address the unconscious bias that distorts their decision making about both people and business issues

  • mitigate group think and create psychological safety to enhance performance and innovation

  • build their capacity to lead diverse teams and leverage diversity dividends to deliver impact and innovation

  • enable the co-emergence of inclusive cultures and practices

Inclusive Leadership programmes work optimally when supported by the facilitation of further Learning and Development programmes across all hierarchies to create a holistic change ecosystem incorporating both top down and bottom-up approaches. For example, through bystander tools and strategies, participants devise ways to hold one another, and their leaders, to account. 

Contact me for your first complimentary consultation

Designing the next stage of institutional transformation

If your scientific or intergovernmental organisation is ready to rethink its culture, leadership, governance, or global partnerships, I design the systems that turn strategic commitment into sustainable impact.

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My clients

  • African Union, Addis Ababa
  • Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Toulouse
  • Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN), Geneva
  • European Commission
  • European Parliament
  • European Court of Justice
  • European Molecular Biology Lab, Heidelberg
  • Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis, Basel
  • Gulbenkian Foundation, Lisbon
  • Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Vienna
  • Max Delbruck Centre for Molecular Medicine, Berlin
  • United Nations Institute for Training and Research
  • University of Nottingham, Nottingham and Ningbo
  • Wellcome Trust’s Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative, London
  • Cochrane

What my clients say:

  • "Roshni Mooneeram's consultancy has been instrumental in transforming our approach to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI). Her expertise in EDI governance, strategic advisory, and fostering an inclusive research ecosystem has been proven highly valuable. She has supported our team leaders with inclusive leadership practices to enhance our organisational culture and fostered a change in our ecosystem by involving everyone at the institute through the concept of shared leadership. Perhaps most impressively, while the topic of EDI can be challenging, Roshni’s balanced and pragmatic approach has brought key stakeholders together. There are clear indications that her consultancy has facilitated positive change at FMI, and I recommend her services to any organisation looking to take a strategic approach to EDI and foster an inclusive research environment.”

    Prof Dirk Schübeler
    Director of the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Campus, Basel

  • “Over the past two years, we have worked with Roshni on a variety of D&I projects, including strategy sessions, train-the-trainer workshops, and numerous webinars on topics such as microaggressions, neurodiversity, and intergenerational intelligence. Roshni’s clear, candid, and engaging style effectively draws the audience in, resulting in high ratings and requests for additional sessions. She always prepares thoroughly, and makes sure her work is tailored to the audience, expertly succeeding in keeping participants engaged throughout the session and the Q&A. She is an excellent speaker who brings a unique combination of knowledge, passion for the topic, kindness and gravitas. The feedback from her webinars and workshops has consistently been outstanding, and many participants said they were moved and inspired to become inclusion champions.”

    Liliana Pao
    Policy Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, Diversity and Inclusion Office DG HR, European Commission

  • "At EEX Group, we believe that diversity and inclusion are an important part of our success. We also believe that we find strength in combining different diversity dimensions to fulfil our purpose. This is an ongoing journey, that every individual colleague should contribute to, day by day. Roshni was a keynote speaker in our 2024 annual leadership meeting, and she provided a highly inspiring and elaborate insight into how to further shape such a journey as a global company in the years to come."

    Markus Vorbeck
    EEX Group HR Director

  • “Roshni Mooneram is the kind of Strategic Consultant every organisation committed to Equity needs: her holistic practice leads to tangible positive results, swiftly promoting profound cultural shifts in complex, multinational scenarios. Throughout the years, I have observed her practice while setting up the University of Nottingham’s first international campus (in Ningbo, China). At the University of Nottingham’s UK Campus, she was commissioned by the Institute for Policy and Engagement to create a Roadmap for the University. She acted as Principal Investigator into policy-oriented research projects across Faculties and defined the processes that would enable the University of Nottingham to leverage its EDI informed research to influence policy: institutionally, regionally at the level of local authorities and businesses, and nationally at the level of Government. This report as well as her five-year strategy for the African continent, commissioned by the African Union: Building Resilience to Foster African Human Capital through Girls’ and Women’s Education for Sustainable development consolidated her profile as one of the most sought-after Global EDI strategists. In summary, I could not recommend Roshni more!”

    Maria Augusta Arruda
    Director of the Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory at the National Centre for Research in Energy and Materials (LNBio-CNPEM)

  • "I am very grateful to Dr Roshni Mooneeram for the time, mentorship, and thoughtful guidance provided through the Inclusive Leadership workshop series and coaching sessions as part of ESIC early-career mentoring. Her approach to the Programme and one-to-one coaching has been extremely valuable in supporting my professional growth and reflective practice. What stands out most is her inclusive and reflective facilitation style. Roshni consistently created a supportive and engaging space where diverse perspectives were welcomed and respected, making discussions meaningful and impactful. Through her coaching, she encouraged critical self-reflection and supported people like me in navigating academic and professional challenges with greater clarity and confidence. In short, her mentoring has been an enriching experience and has deepened my understanding of inclusivity as a core principle in teaching, coaching, and professional practice."

    Aisha Naz Ansari
    Working Group Member at ESIC, Wellcome Trust, Member of Early and Mid Career Professionals at ESIC

  • "I attended the ESIC Inclusive Leadership mentorship programme organised for Early and Mid-Career professionals with Roshni over a cumulative period of about 6 weeks. Personally, I have become more aware of my leadership competencies and incompetencies. A colleague had this to say after working on an initiative together: “Euphrasia, why is it that every time I hear you speak, you make me feel like I can create change for the good. You are one of the most amazing and motivating women I have ever met!". Roshni’s programme was transformative and I enjoyed how she walked the talk!"

    Dr. Ndi Euphrasia
    Team Lead, Cameroon Consumer Service Organisation

  • "Dr. Roshni Mooneeram’s recent contributions as a Visiting Expert at our Sino-European Key Laboratory were both intellectually stimulating and impactful to our institutional efforts in fostering a more inclusive academic environment. Her keynote, “Why Accelerating Action for Gender Equality is Crucial for Research and Science,” was delivered in the context of International Women’s Day, and provoked meaningful reflection and dialogue among our quite diverse staff and students. Additionally, Roshni delivered an engaging and enlightening public lecture on China–Africa relations at the Ningbo Tianyi Library, which was attended by more than 40,000 participants in person and online. Both talks highlighted her ability to connect with diverse audiences with clarity and insight, despite the complexity of the issues, and the feedback was universally positive."

    Professor Derek Irwin
    Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Ningbo China

  • "Dr Roshni Mooneeram has supported FE Associates and our clients in the field of inclusive leadership. Her approach is rooted in curiosity, confidence building and thoughtful insight. Inclusive leadership is a key area of focus for the UK further education sector and as an expert in this field Dr Mooneeram has much to offer."

    Matt Atkinson
    Director, Further Education Associates

  • "As EMBL’s first Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Roshni played a pioneering role in building the EDI function from the ground up, establishing governance structures, developing EMBL’s first EDI strategy, and creating alignment among diverse stakeholder groups. She brought a distinctive blend of strategic vision and an understanding of science contexts to embed inclusion within EMBL’s research and organisational culture. Since moving into consultancy, Roshni has further deepened her expertise in advancing EDI in scientific research, partnering with leading organisations across Europe and beyond to drive sustainable, systemic change. Her work spans the development of inclusive leadership frameworks, data-driven equity analyses, and the translation of EDI principles into everyday research practice. Drawing on her interdisciplinary background, she helps organisations move beyond compliance to cultivate environments where diversity is recognised as a driver of creativity and impact. Through her thought leadership and collaborative approach, Roshni continues to influence the broader EDI landscape, advising on policy, contributing to international initiatives, and mentoring emerging EDI practitioners committed to building equitable futures in science."

    Matti Tiirakari
    international consultant to science institutes, previously COO at EMBL

  • "Organisational Change Consultant After improving and stabilizing services, we found ourselves at a crossroads: where to take our services next. Roshni came in and designed and executed a service excellence program for us that transformed the team, engaged the client and motivated the people. She leveraged people-centric change management expertise, stakeholder management principles and coaching techniques to drive this transformation. We’ve grown form great to excellent and benefited from her innovative approach for years to come!"

    Christian Van Bochove
    Director, Head of Customer Success, Epicenter