Equity and Inclusivity in Research Funding
Challenge
In January 2023, the University of Oxford published the report Equity and Inclusivity in Research Funding: Barriers and Delivering Change. The report investigated the barriers that researchers from marginalised backgrounds face in accessing funding opportunities and set out recommendations for how universities and funders could make their funding schemes more equitable and accessible.
Building on the findings from the report, the University of Oxford’s Research Support team proposed a sector-wide forum, where participants would come together to agree a coordinated set of actions to transform equity and inclusivity in research funding nationally. The University partnered with Oxentia Ltd to support them in preparing for and delivering the forum.
Approach
The project centred on a stakeholder consultation to build consensus and identify barriers ahead of a day-long forum in February 2024. Oxentia and the University’s Research Support team collaboratively drafted a set of proposed ‘commitments’ for universities and funders, intended to shape a joint public statement and establish the Equity and Inclusivity in Research Funding Forum. Between November 2023 and January 2024, Oxentia conducted interviews with 11 funders and held focus groups with 27 universities. Consultation feedback prompted a shift towards collective, sector-wide actions. In response, Oxentia and the team developed a refined list of ‘priority actions’, a joint statement, and terms of reference for the Forum. Oxentia also prepared the forum agenda, presented findings, and facilitated workshops during the inaugural meeting.
Impact
