ARMA training on EDI in the research environment

ARMA member, Dr Julie Blake, highlights the importance of our new training course, Equality Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) in the Research Environment: Looking Through an Intersectional Lens

My name is Dr Julie Blake. I am a Senior Impact Officer at the University of Surrey and founder of the South-East Universities’ Engagement and Impact Network. My interests lie within race, education, social justice, and equity, which was the focus of my Doctorate in Education which I achieved from the University of Birmingham. It was my postdoctoral fellowship, funded by ESRC (IAA)(1), that enthused me to create impacts for marginalised groups in society, together with my voluntary role as an independent member of West Midlands Combined Authority’s Race Equality Taskforce. I have organised this workshop to deliver on providing insights, advancing learning, widening opportunities for marginalised groups, and ultimately to create impact in research environments.

This EDI workshop is to be held on Thursday 21 March which is The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It was on this day in 1960 that 69 peaceful Black demonstrators were killed by police in South Africa, which became known as the Sharpeville Massacre. The victims were opposed to the Apartheid, which was an oppressive system instilled by the South African government that prevented the freedom of Black people. Although globally, we have made giant strides against racism, the UN(2) marks this day annually to remind us that we still have some way to go in eliminating racial discrimination in society.

This workshop builds on recent conversations which described the foundations of EDI and challenged our unconscious biases. With an aim to drive discussions to a new level of implementation and action, this workshop is designed to deepen your knowledge by exploring the effects of intersectionality and the multi-faceted disadvantages of individuals who are already marginalised in the research environment. You will discuss how to employ effective EDI strategies and tailor policies and practices to incorporate a diverse, inclusive, and rewarding research culture, which is also a key focus for REF 2029.

Sapna Marwaha, EDI Chair, will share the vision for ARMA’s EDI strategy. The keynote speaker, Dr Arun Verma, who is a leading figure in implementing and integrating intersectionality in systems, policy, and programmes both nationally and internationally, will discuss how to make sense of intersectionality in the research environment and share solutions of how to cultivate more inclusive research environments.

In our Short Talks section, EDI expert Kwabena Osayande will share his strategy on developing a diverse workforce. Award winning Sam Hawkins will provide insights into evidence-based interventions with LGBT+ colleagues; and from the University of Minnesota, Dr Caroline Mrosla-Toscano will explore Trauma-informed Leadership.

You will have the opportunity to network with colleagues in breakout discussions and ask questions to the panel of EDI experts. The workshop aims to provoke conversation, take you outside of your comfort zone and challenge perceptions, to ultimately drive change.

(1) Economic and Social Research Council (Impact Acceleration Account)

(2) United Nations