We are dedicated to integrating principles and best practices of equality, diversity, and inclusion (sometimes known as EDI) into every aspect of our work.
Dr Natalie Darko our Director of Inclusion, and the wider inclusion team are responsible for implementing the NIHR’s inclusion strategy, ensuring that it is integrated throughout our BRC infrastructure, research endeavours, and public involvement. She leads our Public Involvement team, and has a specialization in health research and practice that addresses the equality, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented and minority groups.
Meanwhile researchers within our Data Innovation for Multiple Long-Term Health Conditions and Ethnic Health theme, work to drive innovation in understanding the impact of ethnicity and multiple long-term health conditions. We are particularly interested in exploring these issues among younger populations and how they affect life expectancy and quality of life.
We are committed to developing and implementing an inclusive approach that fosters diversity across all aspects of our practice, including public involvement and capacity development.
To learn more about our dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we invite you to read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for 2022 – 2027 which outlines our goals and initiatives.
At the core of our principles is a commitment to:
- Increasing inclusivity in access to research opportunities, public involvement, and research careers, while actively promoting diversity in research involvement
- Offering public involvement opportunities that are accessible and reach people and groups according to their specific research needs
Our overarching goal is to cultivate a research environment that embraces inclusivity, nurturing personal and professional growth, and facilitating the advancement of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Furthermore, we are committed to:
- Collecting and analysing diversity data for both our workforce and research participants
- Taking a data-driven approach to better understand and address any disparities, ensuring that our strategies effectively promote equity and remove barriers to create inclusive research
By embodying these principles of inclusion, we aim to foster an environment where all individuals can fully participate, thrive, and contribute to biomedical research, irrespective of their background or identity.
You can read more about the NIHR’s commitment to equality, diversity & inclusion on their website. Click here to visit it.