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Welcome to the IGNITE Network+

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The IGNITE Network+ [Innovation and Growth Needs Inclusion and engagement of all Talent in Energy] is a four-year funded EPSRC project which was established in September 2022.   It aims to support sustainable, abundant, clean and equitable energy for all, by harnessing the talents of energy researchers from all backgrounds. To achieve the changes to energy systems needed to meet net-zero carbon by 2050 requires innovation, and its translation into industry, at pace. Research has shown that diversity in the workforce, if managed effectively, increases innovation, brings greater scientific impact and improves economic growth. Increased diversity in energy researchers will significantly improve our chances of successful transition to net zero by 2050.

The current lack of diversity in energy researchers stems not from a lack of interest, talent or ambition in underrepresented individuals, but from systemic inequalities in UK systems and institutions. The IGNITE Network+ will address diversity issues by:

  • collecting data that can expose systemic inequality;
  • designing, testing and implementing disruptive initiatives; monitoring the success of interventions and activities;
  • identifying, disseminating and encouraging good practice.

 

We will work to support individuals from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds through a mixture of organisational interventions, mentorship, advice and advocacy.

The network is led by Strathclyde with partners Imperial College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Nottingham, the University of Bristol, Queen's University Belfast and Brunel University London and received £1.25m over 4 years to tackle the lack of diversity in the energy research sector.
 

Network latest...

News
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Four exciting new projects from the IGNITE Network+ flexible fund FA2 EDI Challenges

Claire Scott, Programme Manager
25/08/2023

We are delighted to announce four exciting new projects from the IGNITE Network+ flexible fund FA2 EDI Challenges https://www.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/funded-projects

News
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Barra & Vatersay Science Festival, 6-7 July 2023

21/07/2023

IGNITE Network+ were invited to participate in the first ever Barra & Vatersay Science Festival 2023.

News
EDI+ A research, innovation and training network for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the energy research community. The EDI+ Fellowship Programme is a two-year programme open to participants in organisations engaged in research in the energy sector, including Higher and Further Education Institutions, businesses, government organisations, industry and third sector organisations. We will recruit two cohorts – maximum of 15 fellows in each – and Cohort 1 is open for applications now, with the programme running from October 2023 to September 2025. Fellows will be designing, implementing, and reviewing an intervention to improve equality, diversity, and inclusion in your organisation - we will ensure that you have the relevant training and supervisory support to complete this process over two years. contact ediplus@durham.ac.uk
The EDI+ Network fellowships

05/05/2023

The EDI+ Network fellowships are now open for applications - closing date 12 June 2023.

News
The IGNITE Network+ officially launches

28/04/2023

The 4 year EPSRC-funded IGNITE Network+ and EDI+ network projects which aim to increase equality, diversity and inclusion in the energy research community officially launched on 18 April 2023.

News
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First Flexible Funding call EDI Challenges is now open (closing date 26 May 2023)

18/04/2023

The first flexible funding call on EDI challenges in Energy Research has now opened (closing date 26 May 2023)

News
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How UK science is failing Black researchers — in nine stark charts

Elizabeth Gibney
14/12/2022

Data show that the representation of scientists from marginalized ethnicities dwindles at each stage of UK academia.