“I’m a postdoctoral researcher at the Quadram Institute and I’ve just been appointed the new EDI co-chair which is very exciting. I’m joining Dr Stephen Robinson as Co-Chair.

Moving from equality to equity

There are two versions of EDI. The first is Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The second is Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

We’re moving more towards the second version and thinking about equity rather than equality.

Equality means providing the same resources to everyone. Whereas equity means making sure that people have the same level of access to resources and that may require different levels of support for different people.

Susan K Gardner of Oregan State University is quoted to have said “Equality is giving everyone a shoe. Equity is giving everyone a shoe that fits.”

Why Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity is important

Everyone’s perspectives are key to helping us move forward with all the big scientific challenges we’re facing such as antimicrobial resistance, climate change and food security.

The only way we’re going to tackle these global challenges is if everyone gives their views and opinions. People are only going to bring their opinions if they feel valued and included.

Creating a space for everyone to bring ideas

The EDI committee at the Quadram Institute is where ideas are brought by staff and students from across the institute about what the institute needs to think about in terms of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

There are around 10 to 15 people on the committee at any time. The committee is made up of people across career stages and different roles, from people working in the lab to people working only in the offices. The committee meets formally every three months, and representatives from Senior Management and HR are there too.

The committee also organises “well-bean coffee socials” every few months open to anyone in the institute, to provide a safe space to raise or discuss potential EDI-related challenges they are facing.

Even though I’ve only been in the role of EDI Committee Co-Chair a few months, a couple of people have already come up to to ask if I can look into certain EDI topics. It’s nice to know that people outside the committee know that they can approach the committee with ideas.

I’ve been working at the Norwich Research Park for nearly 20 years and it’s been amazing to see how inclusivity has evolved over that time. I want to keep that momentum going and help ensure that it’s a great community to work in.

I previously have been part of the NBI LGBTQ+ working group. Plus, I developed the What is a Scientist exhibition and Am I A Scientist online activity which celebrates diversity across Norwich Research Park.

I want to bring that experience to my new role as EDI Committee Co-Chair, and help make everyone feel included, not just one minority group. I want to make sure that everything we’re doing helps give everyone the same access to resources and the same sense of community.

We are currently working towards the Athena Swan Award. The Athena Swan Award started off focused on improving equality for women but now it covers inclusivity more broadly.

Improving inclusivity for international staff and students

One area I’m really interested in is improving inclusivity for international staff and students. The Quadram Institute is an awesome place to work and we get a lot of international students and international members of staff.

I want to make sure that when someone international starts working here, they know everything about Norwich they need to know. We have so much support here at the Quadram Institute and on Norwich Research Park already, but some new starters may not know about it.

We’re currently reviewing induction materials and processes to see where support might be better signposted for people who are new to the UK or Norwich so we can help improve awareness of what support they have access to.

Making the mentorship pool more representative

Another area we’re looking into is widening our mentorship pool. Currently we have a mentorship scheme which is great but so far it is mainly focused on the traditional stereotypical academic career path to Group Leader.

The great thing about science is that there are lots of career paths and careers are more broader than they’ve ever been. So we’re hoping to expand the mentor pool out to include different roles so it can be more inclusive of everyone’s potential futures.

I am looking forward to discussing with others on best practices on creating a positive research culture and working to ensure our EDI commitments translate into meaningful action so that the institute remains a place where people from all backgrounds can thrive.”

Working together as co-chairs

Dr Stephen Robinosn who Emma joins as Co-chair of the EDI committee adds, “I’m delighted to welcome Emma as EDI Committee Co-Chair. She brings huge energy, experience and creativity to the role, and her work around research culture, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and public engagement already reflects the kind of practical, thoughtful approach we want to build on at the Quadram Institute.

For me, the next stage is about making sure EDI is not seen as a separate activity, but as part of how we create a positive, supportive and ambitious research environment.

That means listening carefully to staff and students, identifying where barriers still exist, and working with colleagues across the institute to turn good intentions into meaningful, visible action.”