EPSRC Funding for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Energy Research Community Network Plus

The fund will support an interdisciplinary Network Plus to build a community within energy research focused on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is providing funding to support an interdisciplinary Network Plus to build a community within energy research focused on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and accessibility.

The EPSRC is aware that the energy sector is already putting considerable work into improving diversity and inclusivity. However, this work is often disconnected. This opportunity should therefore promote cohesion across the research community.

The Network Plus must include the insights, ideas and experiences of the most diverse set of voices possible in order to make real changes. The network should have links across the academic remit, and should particularly include researchers from relevant areas of the social sciences in order to facilitate delivery of maximum impact. It should also seek to establish relationships with relevant UKRI investments and institutes across the energy research landscape, as well as other appropriate stakeholders across both academia and industry.

Network Plus consortia can undertake a variety of activities including workshops, events, feasibility studies, secondments, and horizon scanning. It is essential that user engagement is considered in the wider network membership.

This opportunity is open to researchers at:

  • UK higher education institutions
  • UK research council institutes
  • UKRI-approved independent research organisations
  • Eligible public sector research establishments
  • NHS bodies with research capacity

Additional guidance about institutional eligibility is available here.

Additionally, applicants must be resident in the UK and hold a permanent contract at the submitting research organisation, in a role at or above lecturer level or equivalent. Applicants may also hold a fixed-term contract at the submitting research organisation in a role at or above lecturer level or equivalent, provided that the contract extends beyond the duration of the proposed research project and the host research organisation is prepared to offer support commensurate with that afforded to a permanent employee.

Applicant teams must have experience of EDI in an applied context, as well as experience of researching energy, as part of engineering or the physical, geological, biological or social sciences. More junior academics and those with non-traditional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

The full Economic Cost (fEC) of a project can be up to £1.25 million. EPSRC will fund 80% (ie £1 million) of the fEC. Projects will be funded for three to four years.

Applications should be submitted by the 4 November 2021 (16:00) deadline.