WiSe Session

ReachSci is a not-for-profit society at the University of Cambridge, founded in 2021 with the aim of improving access to research, globally. ReachSci organizes intensive research training programmes aimed at audiences from pre-University to those in postgraduate education. As a program ran by students, we demonstrate just one route to inclusive researcher development.

My presentation will discuss inclusive research environments from an EPSRC/UKRI perspective. It will draw from UKRI’s first EDI strategy, which sets out our ambition for a more diverse and inclusive research and innovation system, and the EPSRC EDI action plan that seeks to create a culture within engineering and physical sciences research which values individual differences and enables everyone to prosper. I will also discuss the outputs of Tomorrow's Engineering Research Challenges, an extensive UK-wide community engagement initiative which highlighted inclusivity as a top priority for the engineering research ecosystem, and talk about ways to embed EDI in research activities.

Inclusive environments create safe and empowering spaces that foster success for all team members. A strong sense of belonging provides continuous support, enabling companies to thrive. True inclusion occurs when every team member believes in and values one another, facilitating equal contributions to the team's and project's success. In this presentation, I will discuss the importance of inclusive environments for women scientists in male-dominated fields. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with inspirational experts in engineering and biology, where my expertise in bioelectrochemistry played a vital role in project progression. I will share examples from my own journey, highlighting strategies to leverage inclusion in the workplace, empowering employees, and fostering long-term success.

We explore the concept of building inclusive real-world applications by leveraging sensors and APIs. In recent years, advancements in sensor technologies and the widespread availability of application programming interfaces (APIs) have opened up new possibilities for creating innovative solutions that cater to diverse user needs. The integration of sensors and APIs enables the collection of real-time data from the physical world and its seamless integration into digital platforms. We highlight the importance of inclusivity in the development of such applications, emphasizing the need to ensure that they are accessible, usable, and beneficial for individuals from all backgrounds, abilities, and demographics.