The obstacles and barriers people face from disadvantaged backgrounds going into research, or during their time in research is a universal one around the nation. Universities have each taken different steps to widening participation gap and allow for more equitable outcomes for all. The University of Nottingham is one university amongst many which has introduced numerous initiatives to further champion the voices and cases of such prospectus researchers who are from disadvantaged programmes in a number of ways,
University of Nottingham Case Study:
In order to support those from underrepresented backgrounds, in addition to creating a diverse and inclusive research culture, The University of Nottingham BBSRC DTP has created a multitude of initiatives designed to encourage, assist and help those from disadvantaged backgrounds have equity of opportunity within research. This is done through the following methods:
One barrier some face when making research applications is their identity and their place of previous study. Some universities have taken steps to combat this by anonymising the name, gender, age and previous institution of study to remove any inherit bias due to those characteristics. This will help better recruit those who have the merit to be there rather than what institution they previously attended or identity bias.
During the interview stage, it’s important to make sure the panellists do not carry any bias or preference at any stage of the application stage. The University recognises this by requiring all panellists to take mandatory unconscious bias training to make sure equity of process in all parts of the recruitment process. This also includes equality, diversity and inclusion focussed training on the programmes, for both students and supervisors.
