Embedding EDI in Practice: Reflections from Recent Training
The Rare Disease Research Team at Queen’s University Belfast took part in EDI training to reinforce their commitment to ‘listen to those who live it’.
In January, teams across Belfast, Birmingham, and Newcastle came together for a series of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) watch parties and interactive Q&A sessions, marking a shared commitment to start the year with reflection, learning, and action.
The sessions centred on Socio-Economic Inequality in Research, delivered by The Equality Trust, and explored how research design, engagement practices, and institutional choices can either reduce or unintentionally reinforce barriers to participation. Using a structured learning resource and guided reflection, participants examined the ways their work can impact socio-economic inclusion - from accessibility of materials and reimbursement processes to representation, trust and power-sharing within research.
Turning Reflection into Action
A key feature of the training was its emphasis on reflective practice. Attendees were encouraged to identify specific aspects of their own work where socio-economic inequality may arise, and to consider how upcoming activities such as events, recruitment strategies or study design could be approached differently to support inclusion. These reflections fed into facilitated Q&A discussions, creating space for open conversation, shared learning and the exchange of practical ideas across centres.
A Shared Commitment
The training concluded with a clear call to action, inviting participants to make a personal changemaker pledge and commit to practical steps that embed inclusion into everyday research practice. Together, the watch parties and discussions reinforced a shared message across centres: addressing socio-economic inequality is not an abstract principle, but a responsibility that shapes who is able to participate, be heard, and benefit from research.
"Listen to those who live it", Vanessa Boon - the Equality Trust
Professor Amy Jayne McKnight
Media
Please do contact our rare disease team by email for further information.