The EDI Hub+ will focus on three core themes.
Career Pathways – ensure that everyone receives the best possible support in their chosen career.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- Attracting diverse doctoral students, and removing barriers to doctoral study for underrepresented groups.
- Making the transition to an academic career attractive and open to everyone.
- Providing support at key career transitions to address the ‘leaky pipeline’.
- Making broader research and innovation roles (e.g., RTPs, RSEs) more attractive and empowering.
- Supporting cross-sectoral transitions (e.g., into / out of academia and industry).
- Growing diverse leadership in research and innovation.
Research Funding and Processes – ensure that everyone has an equitable opportunity to secure research and innovation funding.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- Inclusive pre-submission selection practices and demand management in academic institutions.
- Reducing the burden for specific groups, such as disabled people.
- Inclusive practice within EPSRC investments (i.e., EPSRC grants operating their own flexible fund).
- Trialling and evaluating alternative approaches to a) calls for proposals, b) application processes, and c) the assessment of applications, including alternative approaches to peer review.
Organisational Culture – ensure that Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences workplaces are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.
Possible topics include (but are not limited to):
- Making our physical and virtual workspaces inclusive and accessible – with specific emphasis on research labs.
- Adopting equitable work-life balance approaches, supporting ‘family-friendly’ or ‘care-friendly’ policies.
- Ensuring everyone’s participation in the research and innovation system is fully recognised.
Challenging harassment and micro-aggression, becoming active bystanders.