Incorporating diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity in the network is vital to successful co-creation. In additional it will encourage unbiased research and development of technologies that can be applicable to and accessible by a diverse range of users.
Neuromod+ will embed equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within the network in the following ways:
Network membership
We strive to have as diverse and open a network as possible and will encourage this through:
- ensuring diversity in our management group
- making membership open to all and advertising to a range of stakeholders
- encouraging our teams to undertake training in EDI and highlighting EDI training opportunities to network members
- asking members to provide (voluntary) diversity information on joining; we will review anonymised EDI data periodically to assess whether the network is meeting diversity aims and to identify which groups, if any, are under-represented, and consider ways to address imbalance
- encouraging participation in the network from patient and public groups and those with lived experience.
Events and activities
We endeavour to make our events and activities as inclusive as possible and will:
- ensure diversity and good representation in speakers at events
- encourage diversity of attendees by advertising events via multiple routes and targeting under-represented groups where possible
- ensure accessibility for those with (visible and invisible) disabilities, including online/hybrid access where possible/appropriate
- aim to vary the geographical location of events to avoid bias towards one region
- be mindful of event timing (eg start later or end earlier, assign preferred talk slots) to give attendees with caring responsibilities time for travel to/from events
- provide support for those with caring responsibilities (practical or financial) where possible
- provide financial support for ECR attendees where possible
- reimburse public contributors for their time/attendance at events/involvement in activities
- develop a code of conduct for event attendees
- align with conference policies of our host institutions, eg the Imperial College London Conference Policy
Funding calls
Network funding is available to any eligible member. We aim to make the funding process a fair as possible and will:
- have open calls and disseminate as widely as possible
- review diversity information for applicants and awardees in each round to assess whether applications and awards reflect the wider network membership and identify any potential bias
- make consideration of EDI an integral part of each funding proposal (applicants will need to state how their proposal considers and encourages EDI)
- ensure that our review panel is diverse and includes members with diversity of experience
- offer distinct funding calls for groups to develop EDI-focussed activities (for example workshops or panel discussions) where possible
- offer priority funding calls for early career researchers
discuss with funders how funding can be made more easily available to a wider range of applicants, for example early career researchers, those in professional/technical roles
Our research
The network will encourage consideration of diversity in research projects/clinical trials etc by:
- highlighting the importance of EDI as an integral part of our own funding calls
- championing co-production with under-represented groups and public and patient representatives, to develop guidelines for inclusive research protocol
- seeking input from diverse groups/communities on how research projects and clinical trials can be designed to:
- involve diverse communities
- develop technologies that will align with the needs of different communities
- make new technologies accessible to a diverse population
Assessment and feedback
A dedicated EDI group will oversee EDI activities and review EDI strategy. The group will report periodically to the management group on how well the network is fulfilling its EDI aims.