IGNITE Network+ Final Event: Turning Insight into Action
Shaping the Next Chapter of EDI in Energy Research
13 January 2027
The Studio, 67 Hope St, Glasgow G2 6AE
Registration is now open
Join us for the final IGNITE Network+ event as we mark the progress, learning, and relationships built across the programme. This closing event brings together researchers, practitioners, and partners to share insights, celebrate achievements, and focus on what comes next for embedding Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in energy research.
Through storytelling, discussion, and future‑focused dialogue, we will reflect on what has made a difference, explore where challenges remain, and consider how the IGNITE community can continue to drive meaningful and lasting change across the sector.
Provisional Programme
09:30 – 10:00 Arrival, Registration & Coffee
10:00 – 10:15 Chair’s Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:15 – 10:35 EPSRC Perspective: What Has Changed and What Comes Next - Dr Jim Fleming, EPSRC
10:35 – 11:05 Keynote Speaker: Inclusive Leadership Pathways to Net Zero - Prof Sarah Sharples, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester
11:05 – 11:35 Coffee Break
11:35 – 12:05 IGNITE Flexible Fund (More Diverse PLs) – Energy Projects: Lightning Talks -Emerging Leaders in Energy Research
12:05 – 12:45 Conversation Stations: IGNITE Flexible Funded EDI Projects
12:45 – 13:45 Networking Lunch
13:45 – 14:00 IGNITE Network+ Highlights: What We’ve Achieved - Prof Rebecca Lunn, Director of IGNITE Network+, University of Strathclyde
14:00 – 14:40 IGNITE Prescribed Activities: Evidence to Enable Action
1. Understanding Structures and Barriers, Dr Marco Reggiani, University of Strathclyde (PA1 Survey – final insights)
2. From Rhetoric to Reality, Prof Mustafa Özbilgin, Brunel University London (EDI interventions, leadership, and accountability)
3. Mentoring Programme: Action Learning in Practice, Dr Neha Chandarana, University of Bristol with programme participants
14:40 – 14:55 Break
14:55 – 15:45 Shaping the Next Chapter: Structured Futures Workshop - A facilitated, table‑based session informed by the day’s evidence. Introduced by Prof Rachel Oliver, University of Cambridge
15:45 – 16:00 Insights to Action: Collective Synthesis
16:00 – 16:15 Closing
16:15 – 17:00 Informal Networking & Refreshments
Registration is now open
Carer/ Hardship Fund
As part of our commitment to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion [see our EDI action plan], the IGNITE Network+ is pleased to announce a Carer/ Hardship Fund, which will provide funding to support network full members with some of the costs associated with attendance at IGNITE Network+ conference, events and activities, this can be in person or virtual. Applications will be judged on their individual merits, but this might include support towards travel, overnight accommodation costs; caring costs (e.g. childcare, or to support care of elderly or disabled adult relatives) and/or support for those with accessibility needs (travel, audio-visual, personal help).
You must join the network as a full member to be eligible to apply for the carer / hardship fund. There is no charge for membership. Once you have joined the network, you can complete the online application https://forms.office.com/e/qxR4V134Wm
The closing date for application is 30 November 2026. However, if you miss the deadline, late applications may still be considered, provided you are able to make your own arrangements and cover the costs upfront. Any approved expenses can then be reclaimed following the event.