EDICa - Equality Diversity and Inclusion Caucus

To achieve global excellence in research and innovation, the research workforce must bring a diversity of experiences, expertise and ideas which necessitates the change of the cultures and structures which exclude marginalised researchers in order to meet UKRI's UK-wide talent programme. Our vision for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Caucus (EDICa) is to advance the creation of inclusive research cultures enabling diverse researchers to access and thrive in careers across the research and innovation (R&I) systems. EDICa will advance understanding of the lived experiences of marginalized researchers, creating the hope and possibility of a research career for those traditionally excluded while imagining a different research world which embeds equity. Working across three workstreams: 1. the career and life cycle, 2. the research process and 3 the organisation of work, EDICa will undertake and lead a programme of research to advance EDI across the R&I systems. EDICa will synthesise evidence to identify gaps in existing understanding and EDI practice and areas in need of urgent research. We will also commission research via a flexible fund which will address gaps identified in the evidence reviews and conduct our own programme of research to advance EDI literacy, enabling workplaces and the inclusion of researchers living with menstrual disorders. In addition, EDICa will commission research projects across the three workstreams through the management of a flexible fund, with applications from those with lived experience of marginalisation and early career researchers particularly welcomed. Co-design with marginalised researchers and wider key stakeholders is at the heart of all of EDICa's activities. By working with stakeholder engagement groups, EDICa will create communities of practice who will not only shape the work of EDICa (including dissemination) but will also create a legacy of increased EDI literacy and capabilities across the R&I systems. EDICa will co-design, with key stakeholders, an online tool of training materials, evidence bases, best practice, and interactive multimedia. This tool, Equity in Research and Innovation Careers (ERICa) will be co-designed iteratively throughout the three year funding period, culminating in a formal launch in 2025.