Join the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) and the Energy Institute (EI) for this conference highlighting projects and initiatives that promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in energy – from academia to industry and beyond.

Through a combination of presentations, panel sessions and both structured and informal networking, you will discover what EDI initiatives work from people who have led the way, and learn how you and your organisation can make a difference – for example, by creating a more equitable, diverse and inclusive working environment and by listening to the needs of under-represented groups and communities.

You will have the opportunity to engage with researchers and EDI representatives about how their projects are having an impact in the real world, exchange ideas about career paths and progression, and discuss how EDI is already changing the energy sector for the better, as well as what needs to happen next.

The event will draw on the experience of projects supported by UKERC’s Whole Systems Networking Fund, as well as other EDI-linked projects and initiatives.

The event is aimed at people from across the energy/STEM sector, academia and beyond, and at all career stages – from those starting out to senior leaders. We welcome people who are new to the field of EDI, as well as experts and everyone in between.

In-person attendees will benefit from a certificate of participation* awarded by UKERC and the Energy Institute, enabling you to demonstrate a commitment to EDI to current or future employers.

Please note that the event will be recorded, and that due to the nature of the venue, the video stream/recording may capture members of the audience.

Agenda

10:00–10:30 (in person only) - Arrival and registration
10:30–10:35 - Opening remarks: Prof. Rob Gross, UKERC Director
10:35–11:00 - Keynote: Prof. Christopher Jackson, Jacobs
11:00–11:30 - Introduction to EDI-related projects - Chair: Dr Xinfang Wang, University of Birmingham and UKERC EDI Champion
11:30–11:45 - Break
11:45–13:00 (in person only) - Structured networking focused on EDI-related projects
13:00–14:00 (in person only) - Networking lunch
14:00–15:00 - EDI Case Studies - Chair: Prof Becky Lunn, University of Strathclyde - Case studies:
- bp: Elevating Neurodiverse Talent – Meike Bliebenicht
- SO Energy: EDI and workplace culture – Julie-Ann Wyatt
- International Network of Women in Cooling – Stephen Gill
- Association for Black & Minority Ethnic Engineers: mentoring scheme – speaker TBC
15:00 – 16:00 - Panel discussion – ‘What’s next for EDI in energy? ’ - Chair: Georgina Worrall, POWERful Women - Panellists:
- Aileen Bevan, Innovate UK (UK Research and Innovation)
- Sean McQuaid, Transition Through Inclusion and Diversity for Equity
- Dr. Shini Somara, Broadcaster & Host in Engineering, Science & Tech. / Mechanical Engineer & Fluid Dynamicist
16:00 – 16:05 - Closing remarks
16:05 – 18:00 (in person only) - Networking drinks reception

Projects represented at structured networking session
- Intersectionality in the Careers of Ethnic Minority Energy Professionals – Dr Mehreen Gul, Heriot-Watt University
- EDI in Energy Policy Development, Dr Federico Caprotti, University of Exeter
- EDI+ – Prof. Simone Abram , Durham Energy Institute, Durham University
- Energising Equity: Co- developing a Framework for the inclusion of neurodivergent energy researchers – Dr Vanda Papafilippou, University of the West of England
- Energy, Health and Happiness – Dr Eleanya Nduka, University of Warwick
- Energy Modelling for All – Dr Lirong Liu, University of Surrey
- Energy SHINES – Dr Rihab Khalid, University of Cambridge
- EXPO-ENGAGE – Dr Jo Garrett, University of Exeter
- Pride in Energy – Joshua Atkins, National Grid
- TIDE – Rhiannon Phillips, Ofgem

Attend in person or online

Online attendance is available for plenary sessions, but not for the networking sessions (due to the nature of the event). You will be asked to specify in-person or online attendance when you reserve a place. If you opt to attend online, joining details will be shared with you closer to the event.

Accessibility

The conference venue is fully accessible - please see details on the Coin Street Conference Centre website: https://www.coinstreet.org/space-and-venue-hire/meetings-events-and-conferences/accessibility

For those attending online, simultaneous transcription will be available.

*A certificate of attendance will be available to in-person attendees present for the duration of the main conference programme (10.30-16.00), awarded at the discretion of UKERC and the Energy Institute.

Diversifying the Energy Sector: EDI initiatives that succeed