What do researchers think of the toolkit?
We asked researchers across Newcastle what they thought of the toolkit. Check out what they had to say.
Chris Day (Vice-Chancellor and President)
“Having EDI as a core value of the University quite rightly places a great onus on myself and members of executive board to ensure this is translated into tangible actions across the University. This toolkit is the latest example of our "values in action" and I recommend that, like me, you read it and, where appropriate, incorporate its many practical examples into your daily practice. By doing this hopefully we can accelerate our travel towards a culture we can all be proud of and celebrate."
Fiona Matthews (Dean of Research and Innovation, FMS)
“The EDI Toolkit provides a fantastic resource for all researchers. There is support within the toolkit for everyone whether new to EDI or experienced researchers, and I learnt so much by browsing the pages. Having such a valuable resource that is accessible and detailed is a huge step forward for everyone involved with research.”
Mel Leitch (Deputy Head of Infrastructure in FMS)
“I am Deputy Head of Infrastructure in the Faculty of Medical Sciences and associate-lead for the GATSBY / Science Council funded Technicians Commitment. I began my technical career in 1984 as a trainee and held various positions along the way in the Faculty. In 2014 I became engaged in what we are now calling Research Culture and in 2017 Newcastle was one of the founding signatures of the Technician Commitment. Since then we have seen the core principles of the technician commitment being adopted by Newcastle University. This toolkit is very welcome as it delivers practical solutions so that technicians will be made more visible, recognised and rewarded across the University ecosystem.”
Brian Walker (Deputy Vice Chancellor)
"I am convinced that organisations and teams that achieve diversity, equality and inclusivity are also much more likely to achieve their goals. However, conscious of the privilege that comes from being a straight middle-aged white male medical professor, I don’t find it easy to be an effective ally or to be seen as a role model for promoting EDI. This new EDI toolkit goes further than others I have seen to provide clear explanations and practical advice. Thank you to everyone who has helped to develop the toolkit. I’m proud to see this as part of our work towards a positive research culture at Newcastle, and I’ve put a note in my diary to return to it regularly."
Farhana Chowdhury (PhD Student)
"As a PGR, the toolkit will not only help me with my research, but also my day-to-day life interacting with others both within university and beyond. I wanted to be able to access a resource which would help me keep up-to-date with the best practice all in one place, and the toolkit is exactly that.”
Sarah Warner (Research Funding Development Manager)
“Equality, diversity and inclusion is vital to research funders. They want to see that researchers have thought about EDI throughout their research plans, as demonstrated in their funding applications. The toolkit contains so many great resources that researchers can use to plan the proposed research and engagement activities in their projects to ensure EDI is considered throughout, ahead of applying for funding.”
This important toolkit will provide a valuable resource for guiding EDI across a wide range of research activities, from funding bids to events.