On 1 July, colleagues from across the University of Portsmouth and beyond came together for our inaugural Inclusive Research Futures event: Exploring Equity and Inclusion in Research at the University of Portsmouth. The webinar aimed to celebrate the breadth of inclusive research taking place across our University while creating opportunities to connect researchers, share experiences and inspire future research careers.
The event brought together an inspiring and diverse group of speakers from across multiple faculties and disciplines, each demonstrating in different ways how research can address important questions of equity, inclusion and social justice. From women's health and occupational design, discrimination law and neurodiversity, to decolonising research, global health, women in security, research mentoring and gender-based violence, the programme highlighted not only the diversity of our research expertise but also the many ways inclusive thinking strengthens research excellence.
One of the highlights of the day was seeing researchers at different career stages sharing both their research and their personal journeys. Our panel discussion on Equity and Support Across Research Career Lifecycles generated thoughtful discussion about creating environments where researchers can thrive from postgraduate study through to research leadership. Rather than focusing solely on barriers, the conversation celebrated positive change while recognising the collective responsibility we all have in building an inclusive research culture.
We were also privileged to hear keynote addresses from Dr Shakardokht Jafari and Baroness Geeta Nargund, whose personal stories of resilience, innovation and leadership provided powerful reminders of the impact that determined individuals can have in transforming lives through research. Their reflections reinforced an important message that excellence and inclusion are not separate ambitions—they are mutually reinforcing.
The event highlighted the value of creating dedicated opportunities for researchers from different disciplines and career stages to come together around shared themes of equity, inclusion and research culture. It also provided valuable learning that will help shape future events, with even greater opportunities for interaction, discussion and networking.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our speakers for so generously sharing their expertise, experiences and personal research journeys. Their willingness to contribute made the day both intellectually stimulating and genuinely inspiring, and demonstrated the breadth and quality of inclusive research taking place across the University of Portsmouth.
I am also extremely grateful to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible. In particular, special thanks go to Karen Bingham and Daisy Taylor, Department of Research and Innovation, whose enthusiasm, professionalism and countless hours of organisation were instrumental in bringing the event to life. Their support, alongside that of colleagues across the Research Culture, Doctoral College and Research and Innovation teams, helped ensure the day ran so smoothly.
As the inaugural event for the University's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Research Culture Pillar, this feels like the beginning rather than the end of the conversation. We look forward to building on the momentum generated, continuing to celebrate inclusive research, supporting researchers at every career stage, and working together to create a research culture in which everyone has the opportunity to contribute, belong and thrive.