Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into Research & Innovation

In the ever-evolving landscape of research and innovation, it is paramount to acknowledge and incorporate the principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

  • Equality – Ensuring that all participants and researchers are treated fairly and have the same opportunities. All views are valued equally, regardless of their age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristics.
  • Diversity – Inclusion of a wide range of perspectives, ideas and experiences.
  • Inclusion – Actively involving all people, particularly those who are traditionally under-served and under-represented. Inclusion helps to ensure that research findings and innovative solutions are relevant and applicable to a wide range of people and not just a specific group.
  • Equity – All those who are affected by research or who can benefit from its outcomes, should have equal opportunities to contribute to it.

These principles not only enrich the research environment but also ensure that the outcomes of research and innovation are applicable and beneficial to all sections in society.

The experiences of the under-served and under-represented are not being documented sufficiently. Without this, these groups become invisible and therefore, are often not included in the design of research and innovation projects. This invisibility not only undermines the principles of EDI but also limits the scope and applicability of research findings and innovative solutions.

There is a lack of representation of diverse voices in research. As researchers we have the responsibility to ensure that the under-served and under-represented are heard. These guidelines have been developed to assist researchers in embedding EDI into their research and innovation projects. They serve as a roadmap to ensure that research and innovation is conducted in a manner that respects and values diverse voices and experiences, promotes equality of opportunity, and includes all, leaving no one behind.

By considering EDI in research and innovation, we can ensure that research is not only robust and high quality, but also equitable and representative of the society we live in. We encourage all researchers to use these guidelines as a tool to reflect on their current practices, identify areas for training and development, and take proactive steps towards creating more inclusive research and a positive culture and environment.