I’m Heather, the EDI Lead for UNRISK and a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Support Specialist (EDI) at the University of Leeds. I work across doctoral training programmes to help create fair, inclusive and supportive environments where all researchers can thrive. My role spans recruitment, researcher development, student support and research culture, with a focus on embedding equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the doctoral journey.
My passion for EDI is rooted in my own experiences as a researcher. As a first-generation PhD student, I quickly realised that success in academia often depends on understanding systems, expectations and opportunities that are not always visible or accessible to everyone. As a neurodivergent disabled researcher, I also experienced first-hand how much additional effort can be required to navigate environments that have not been designed with everyone in mind. Those experiences shaped my belief that talented people should not have to overcome unnecessary barriers simply to access opportunities or feel that they belong.
Long before EDI became part of my job, it was something I dedicated my time to because I cared deeply about it. Throughout my studies, I volunteered in mentoring, outreach and wellbeing initiatives, worked with underrepresented groups, contributed to EDI committees and supported disability inclusion and diversity initiatives within STEM. Through this work, I saw the difference that good support, clear information and authentic inclusion can make. Sometimes the most meaningful change comes from something seemingly small like helping someone see themselves as capable of pursuing a PhD, making a process more transparent, or ensuring that a student feels heard and supported.
Today, I bring those values into my work with UNRISK. I am particularly interested in moving beyond individual initiatives and embedding EDI into the way doctoral training is designed and delivered. This means using data and feedback to understand where barriers exist, improving recruitment and support processes, and helping to create research cultures where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is being able to influence change beyond a single programme or institution. Alongside my work supporting doctoral researchers directly, I contribute to wider sector discussions on doctoral training, research culture and EDI. I have been involved in national conversations around the UKRI New Deal for Postgraduate Research and have helped develop and share NERC doctoral recruitment and EDI best practice. I am passionate about ensuring that the experiences of doctoral researchers help shape the policies, practices and cultures that affect them.
What motivates me most is hearing from students whose experiences have improved as a result of these changes. Whether that is a student feeling more confident about applying for a PhD, finding a supportive community, accessing the adjustments they need, or seeing themselves represented within research, these individual stories are a reminder that EDI is ultimately about people.
I believe excellent research happens when people feel they belong. Through UNRISK, I am excited to help co-create and develop a doctoral training environment where researchers from all backgrounds can develop their potential, contribute their unique perspectives and play a role in tackling some of society’s most pressing environmental challenges.
