Diversity and inclusion

We’re fostering a welcoming and inclusive research community where diverse voices are heard, respected, and central to shaping our collective success.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team
Our central EDI Team provides strategic direction, leadership and practical support to colleagues across the university to create an environment where everybody belongs, can be themselves, and do their best.
Inclusive Research Hub
Initially supported by Research Culture funding, this Hub offers a starting point for researchers across disciplines to critically reflect on their practice, access key concepts, and explore practical ideas for change.
Staff networks
Our staff networks provide a safe space for colleagues with shared identities or circumstances to connect with others, share experiences and challenge organisational practices to create a more inclusive working environment.
Black and Brown in Bioethics Network
Supported by our Centre for Ethics in Medicine, this network strives to achieve racial equity within the UK bioethics community by expanding opportunities for community engagement, promoting anti-racism, and accelerating the well-being, education, and health of all people of colour.

List of recently funded projects

Inclusive Research Toolkit (2023-25)

The Inclusive Research Toolkit was created as an internal UoB resource by the Inclusive Research Collective and People Development. This has been hosted on Develop for colleagues to engage with, and “Train the Trainer” workshops have been delivered around the institution. A review of the toolkit was undertaken by 15 PGR students, to broaden the content of the toolkit to cover a wider range of subjects in preparation for the toolkit to be shared externally with the sector.

TEPSO (Towards Equitable Partnerships with Global SOuth) project (2024-25)

This project seeks to develop university-level interventions to intervene in or reduce the impacts of visa and passport inequities and promote equitable budget allocations for Global South projects.

Research to Reward (2024-25)

Aims:

Improve commercialisation support for female/non-binary researchers.
Provide funding and recognition for innovative ideas led by underrepresented researchers.
Promote diversity in research innovation and commercialisation.
Expand engagement in innovation through mentorship and entrepreneurial training.

Exploratory Facility Fund (2024-25)

EFF provides free access to Science & Engineering TRAC facilities to researchers facing barriers, including early career researchers, those returning from career breaks, and those exploring new research areas.

Facilities included: NanoESCA, the Cleanroom, Interface Analysis Centre, Atomic Force Microscope, and X-Ray Tomography, among others.

EFF’s primary goal is to bridge the financial gap for new research projects that require facility time, bringing new ideas to life that wouldn’t otherwise have been possible.

Embracing Parenthood in Research and Higher Education (2024-25)

The project asks: what does it look to value parents for what they bring in research and higher education? How could research
practice change for the better when parents feel supported?
The project’s activities follow three distinct strands: A) community, B) implementation of positive change, and C) research
collaboration, each with distinct objectives and deliverables.

Defining and achieving successful outcomes for people of colour in the University of Bristol, together (2024-25)

This project aims to provide research opportunities for early career researchers and people of colour in particular the application of research skills within operational management and policy development contexts using imaginative, and design led, policy development to think beyond current policy paradigms.

Black PGR Network (2024-25)

Aims to empower Black and White/Black Dual Heritage PGRs (the latter hereafter referred to as ‘Black’ PGRs’) for academic success through positive action by:

Creating a Black PGR network across the UoB.
Reaching out to Black Alumni and current PGRs to understand how they perceive UoB's
existing research culture, unmet needs, and perceived barriers to successful careers.
Identifying and showcasing examples of academic innovation across the Black PGR
community.
Hosting career development/post-doctoral funding opportunity workshops to equip Black PGRs with tools to enhance their academic success.
Collaborating with key stakeholders/decision makers to address the career trajectory inequities
experienced by Black PGR through positive action.