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 celebrate the achievements, learning and impact of the programme and explore the future of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in energy research.

Bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers and research leaders from across the energy research community, the event will provide an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved through IGNITE Network+, share insights from funded projects and activities, and discuss priorities for creating more inclusive research cultures and career pathways.

The programme combines keynote speakers, evidence and impact presentations, interactive conversation stations, networking opportunities and a facilitated futures workshop designed to help identify priorities for the next chapter of EDI in energy research.

Featured speakers

• Prof Sarah Sharples, University of Manchester
  Inclusive Leadership Pathways to Net Zero

• Dr Jim Fleming, EPSRC
  What Has Changed and What Comes Next

• Prof Rachel Oliver, University of Cambridge
  Introducing the Futures Workshop

• Prof Rebecca Lunn, Director, IGNITE Network+, University of Strathclyde
  IGNITE Network+ Highlights: What We Have Achieved

The programme will also include

• Lightning talks from IGNITE Flexible Fund projects supporting more diverse principal investigators in energy research
• Conversation stations showcasing IGNITE funded EDI projects
• Final insights from the IGNITE survey research programme
• Reflections from the IGNITE mentoring programme
• Interactive discussion and networking opportunities
• A structured futures workshop focused on priorities and actions for 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: Showcasing IGNITE Flexible Funded EDI Projects

12:45 – 13:45          Networking Lunch

13:45 – 14:00          IGNITE Network+ Highlights: What We’ve Achieved and What's next - Prof Rebecca Lunn, Director of IGNITE Network+, University of Strathclyde

14:00 – 14:40          IGNITE Prescribed Activities: Evidence to Enable Action and Change

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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion [see our EDI action plan], the IGNITE Network+ offers a Carer/ Hardship Fund, to help remove barriers to participation.

Support may be available towards:

• Travel and accommodation costs
• Childcare or caring responsibilities
• Accessibility related requirements
• Other hardship costs associated with participation

Applicants must be full members of the IGNITE network+ to be eligble.  Membership is free to joinand can be completd online: https://forms.office.com/e/qxR4V134Wm

Application deadline: 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.