We are building a national network of peers championing inclusive research and innovation in Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
The UKRI EPSRC EDI Hub+ is inviting expressions of interest for the role of EPMS EDI Hub+ Inclusion Advocate. This is an exciting opportunity to join a national network of peers championing inclusive research and innovation practice across Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS).
Inclusion Advocates will act as trusted connectors between the EDI Hub+ and the broader EPMS community, helping to build engagement, share learning, and shape a more inclusive research and innovation ecosystem.
What is the role ?
Inclusion Advocates will:
- Share and promote EDI Hub+ outcomes, tools, resource centre and good practice
- Build engagement through outreach and peer connection
- Provide insights from their context to inform EDI Hub+ activities
- Contribute to storytelling, blogs, events and resources
- Participate in engagement activity across the EDI Hub+
This voluntary role will run for the duration of the EDI Hub+ and is designed to be flexible, meaningful and rewarding alongside existing commitments.
We anticipate an average time commitment of around 20 hours per year (approximately two hours per month), though this may vary depending on the activities you choose to engage with or are invited to join, ranging from short online meetings to occasional full-day events such as conferences.
Who should apply ?
We welcome expressions of interest from across the EPMS research and innovation community, including researchers, technical professionals, professional services staff and industry partners.
You should be:
- Actively connected to the EPMS research and innovation community
- Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, with clear examples of action or advocacy
- Aware of EDI challenges and passionate about building engagement and amplifying good practice
- Motivated to drive positive change and open to learning and collaboration
How to apply ?
Complete a short expression of interest form, including brief questions about your motivation and experience.
Deadline: Friday 6 February 2026, 4pm
How applications will be reviewed ?
Expressions of interest will be assessed by a diverse panel comprising members of the EDI Hub+ Management Board, Engagement Champions and EPSRC representatives.
Scoring will be based on four weighted criteria:
- Connectivity to EPMS community – 30%
- Commitment to EDI – 25%
- Willingness to build engagement – 25%
- Motivation and potential for impact – 20%
- Each criterion will be scored on a 1–5 scale.
Selection is not just about individual scores. We will look across all applications to create a balanced, representative cohort that:
- Reaches under-engaged audiences
- Reflects a mix of disciplines, institutions, sectors and regions across the four nations
- Includes a range of experiences and career stages
Adjustments for cohort balance will be documented for transparency.
Successful applicants will be onboarded in March, with support, training and resources provided.
What support is offered ?
Inclusion advocates will receive:
- Welcome and induction
- An engagement toolkit
- Access to support (e.g. training, mentoring)
- Peer networking and learning sessions
- Opportunities to shape and contribute to EDI Hub+ resources, events and campaigns
Inclusion Advocates will be supported to participate fully in EDI Hub+ activities. When travelling on behalf of the Hub+, reasonable travel and subsistence costs will be covered in line with University of Leeds policy. We are committed to removing barriers to participation: costs related to accessibility adjustments and caring responsibilities will be supported where needed, following UKRI’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Support. Details of how to request this support will be provided during onboarding.
Contact
If you’re passionate about building an inclusive future for Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences research and innovation, and connected to the EPMS community – we’d love to hear from you.
For questions or support, contact: [email protected]