EDI Hub+ Annual Conference: Shaping the future of research through inclusion

March 24

EPSRC EDI Hub+ Annual Conference: Shaping the future of research through inclusion

We’re excited to announce the EPSRC EDI Hub+ conference, taking place on Tuesday 24 March 2026 in central Leeds (with the option of hybrid attendance). Our free-to-attend event will bring together our community and the wider engineering, physical and mathematical sciences network committed to developing a more inclusive research and innovation system. Our aims for the event include:

Hear progress: Updates on our journey so far and the scope of the first Flexible Fund projects.
Engage and connect: Expect a keynote speaker, panel discussions, networking opportunities and more
Shape the future: Help us create a supportive environment and safe space for equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Our vision is clear: Building an inclusive future for Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) research and innovation. Together, we’ll connect the national EPMS community to share what works, test new ideas, and scale evidence-based inclusive practices across the UK.

Registration – EPSRC EDI Hub+ conference

To secure your place, please complete the registration form here

To help us ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place, we kindly ask delegates who require specific accessibility adjustments to inform us by 14th February when registering. Unfortunately, we may be unable to accommodate accessibility requests received after this date.

Programme

Time	Item
9.00	Arrival and coffee/ informal networking (coffee and tea available)
10.00	Shaping the future of research through inclusion Welcome from the EDI Hub Prof. Louise Jennings, EDI Hub+, University of Leeds
10.15	Keynote: Building an Inclusive Future for UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Prof. Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair of EPSRC Chaired by Dr Bharat Pokhrel, EDI Hub+, University of Glasgow
10.45	Co‑creating change: Introducing the first EDI Hub+ funded projects The well-chaired meeting, Prof. Averil Macdonald OBE and Aubree Slavik, University of Southampton Expanding the Roving Researcher Scheme to new disciplines at the University of Cambridge, Prof. Laura Itzhaki and Paula Bibby, University of Cambridge The EDI STEM Training Hub: Cultivating inclusive workplaces through collaborative, STEM-specific online training, Dr. Clare Stevenson, John Innes Centre Research your way, Dr. Kat Phillips, University of Warwick Navigating reasonable adjustments: Empowering neurodivergent postgraduate researchers through transparency and co-design, Dr. Lauren Marsh, University of Nottingham Chaired by Dr Hannah Dee, EDI Hub+, University of Aberystwyth
11.30	Coffee and networking (coffee, tea and pastries)
12.00	Panel discussion – Scaling what works Dr. Christina Guindy, Associate Director of Research Programmes & Awards, Royal Academy of Engineering Dr. Usman Hadi, Assistant Professor of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Ulster University Prof. Sara Lombardo, Executive Dean of MACS, Heriot-Watt University Dr. Michael Sulu, Associate Professor in Biochemical Engineering, UCL Chaired by Professor Vania Dimitrova, EDI Hub+, University of Leeds
12.30	Lightning talks – Projects from the community driving change Disability Access to Laboratory Environments, Dr. Katherine Deane, UEA LGBTQ+ Inclusion in STEM, Prof. Ioana Latu, Queen’s University Belfast Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership, Claire Devey, UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy Empowering PGRs to Co-Create Interdisciplinary & Mission Driven Research, Pascale Watson and Jordan McInally, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Diversity-Led, Mission-Driven Research IGNITE Network+ mentoring programme, Dr. Neha Chandarana, University of Bristol EDI interventions in the energy sector in the UK, Professor Mustafa F. Ozbilgin, Brunel University Supergen ORE Hub: supporting EDI for the offshore renewable energy sector, Professor Deborah Greaves, University of Oxford Chaired by Professor Paul Walton, EDI Hub+, University of York
13.00	Introducing – the EDI Hub+ Inclusion Advocates Chaired by Rowan Grant, EDI Hub+ Engagement Lead
13.15	Lunch and networking optional downtime: connect, pause or explore (buffet lunch)
14.00	Optional World Cafe: brokering meaningful partnerships to facilitate scale up of interventions Led by Dr. Elaine Brown, EDI Hub+, University of Bradford
14.30	Keynote: Demystifying the hidden curriculum and creating a more inclusive research culture Dr. Jessica Wade, Royal Society University Research Fellow and Lecturer in Functional Materials, Imperial College London Chaired by Dr Cristina Tuinea-Bobe
15.20	Panel discussion – Enabling people to thrive Dr. Clara Barker, Materials Science Research Fellow, University of Oxford Dr. Karen McKinlay, Development Manager, DePuy Synthes, part of Johnson & Johnson MedTech \| Orthopaedics Dr. Reena Pau, Senior Enterprise Fellow, University of Southampton Prof. James Richards, Professor of Employment Relations, Heriot-Watt University (and EDICa management board) Chaired by Dr. Jen Jennings, EDI Hub+, University of Bristol
16.00	Closing reflections Profs Vania Dimitrova & Louise Jennings

Q&A

Questions for our speakers can be submitted in advance; please submit your questions here: EPSRC EDI Hub+ Conference 2026 – Q&A

Keep up to date on our LinkedIn page.

Venue

Our hybrid conference will take place in central Leeds. The exact venue has been confirmed with registered attendees in the joining instructions.

Travel and accommodation

The conference venue offers discounted LNER rail tickets. Please be in touch with the EDI Hub+ team for details.

Here are some hotels in the vicinity of the venue:

Leonardo Hotel Leeds – Brewery Wharf

Leonardo Hotel offers 248 modern rooms, including wheelchair-accessible options.

Hotel Indigo Leeds – Lower Briggate (LS1 4AE)

A boutique hotel featuring individually designed rooms, strong accessibility features, and excellent dining options. Located close to Leeds Station and key city-centre attractions.

Malmaison Leeds – Swinegate (LS1 4AG)

A stylish, character-rich boutique hotel offering modern rooms, a brasserie and bar, and accessible facilities.

Leeds Marriott Hotel – Boar Lane (LS1 6EN)

A full-service hotel featuring 244+ rooms, spacious guest areas, Italian dining, and a range of accessible features. Just 5 minutes from Leeds Station.

Joining instructions for online attendees

Joining instructions for online access to the conference will be sent via email to the email addresses provided during registration. They will be provided at least two weeks in advance prior to the conference.

Accessibility and adjustments

Information on access to the venue and accessibility arrangements has been provided to registered in-person attendees.

Conference Code of Conduct

Our Code of Conduct exists to ensure that every aspect of the conference reflects our core values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. It sets out clear expectations for behaviour so that all participants (whether attending in person or online) can engage in a respectful, safe, and supportive environment. By upholding these standards, we create a space where open dialogue and collaboration, and collective learning can thrive. Please read the Code of Conduct here.

Details

Date: March 24