Inclusive Research Support
Many funders now ask for evidence of work being undertaken to advance inclusivity within research culture and/or work being undertaken to embed inclusivity within your research design.
Here you can find information on what the University and NDS are doing to support inclusivity within research culture, as well as some resources on inclusive research design
Inclusive Research Toolkit
NIHR has developed and EDI toolkit to support researchers and research advisers to better understand how to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in research design.
University/Divisional EDI Work
Returning Carers Fund
The University established the Returning Carers’ Fund in 2014 to support academics and researchers who have taken a break for caring responsibilities to re-establish their research careers.
EDI Networks
The University has a series of networks for staff and students of various backgrounds, including the Disabled Staff Network, BME Staff Network and LGBT+ Staff Network
Mental wellbeing
The University offers a series of mental health and wellbeing resources to staff, including a staff counselling service. It also offers a student counselling service.
ASCEND Network
ASCEND aims to provide peer support for career development and progression for women and gender non-conforming researchers in mid and senior level positions.
NDS EDI Work
Athena Swan
NDS successfully renewed its Athena Swan Silver Award in 2022, which it has held since 2016. The department has an associated 5-year action plan detailing its ongoing work in furthering equality, diversity and inclusion.
Mentoring
RECOGNISE is an inter-departmental mentoring scheme run between NDS and the Department of Oncology, open to both staff and students. Women and POC researchers are encouraged to join the scheme.
NDS Training Fund
The NDS Staff Training Fund was set up to support a greater level of external training for NDS staff to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in their careers. The fund offers up to £1,000 towards the cost of training.
mental wellbeing
NDS has a cohort of trained Mental Health First Aiders available to provide support and signpost resources (including resources for mental health crises) for staff and students experiencing difficulties wirth their mental wellbeing.
Other Initiatives
NDS Grant Panels and Mock Interviews
NDS hosts grant review panels for its researchers to provide feedback and support their funding applications.
NDS encourages in particular women and researchers of colour to participate in these panels, which have proven beneficial in improving the quality of grant applications.
NDS also arranges mock interviews for researchers as needed.
For more information, please contact the grants team.
Flexible Working
NDS supports and encourages flexible working wherever possible, as well as instituting “core hours” for meetings (10:00-14:00) to support staff and students with caring responsibilities.
Neurodiversity Workshop
NDS developed its own workshop on neurodiversity in the workplace, available to all staff and students. Please contact the HR team for more information.
Personal contributions to inclusive research culture
To contribute personally to creating a more inclusive and equitable research environment, consider:
- Registering as a mentor
- Serving on the EDI or Research Committee
- Applying to become a trained Mental Health First Aider through the NDS Training Fund
For further support, please contact the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager.
Contacts
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David Mahoney
Research Grants Officer
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Kelvin Ndungu
Finance Officer (Research Grants)
