Equity, diversity and inclusion

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There is growing recognition across the healthcare sector of the urgent need to break down barriers that have historically limited access for under-represented groups.

Making clinical academia more inclusive ensures that everyone with talent and passion can contribute and succeed. Inclusive research teams also produce findings that are relevant and impactful for the full diversity of the population.

Supporting inclusivity in academia

Inclusive programmes and funding opportunities help remove barriers for under-represented groups, providing support, mentorship and resources to help clinical academics succeed at every stage of their career. Some examples are listed below.

A four-year postdoctoral fellowship supporting talented early-career researchers from under-represented groups. Covers salary, research expenses, mentoring and networking. Current pilots target Black heritage applicants.

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A one-year development programme for early- and mid-career women holding independent clinical or biomedical fellowships. Includes workshops, peer coaching and mentoring by Academy Fellows. Women with additional under-represented characteristics (ethnicity, disability) are strongly encouraged to apply.

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NIHR offer fellowships, doctoral and postdoctoral awards that include EDI-focused provisions, encouraging applications from under-represented groups.

Key initiatives driving change

A global framework promoting gender equality in higher education and research, Athena Swan began in 2005 focusing on women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths, and medicine). It now addresses wider gender equality issues across academic disciplines worldwide.

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Focused on identifying and addressing ethnic inequalities in health and care, the Observatory supports research, policy recommendations and long-term change to improve health equity.

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Further resources

The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) have developed an EDI Resource Hub to help organisations progress EDI and drive positive change.
The British Dental Association have produced an interactive training suite providing a broad view of EDI. The training provides five hours of verifiable CPD and is free of charge for BDA members.
The NIHR Research Design Service has created an Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Toolkit. This resource has been developed to support researchers to better understand how to embed EDI in research design and to meet the NIHR’s EDI requirements.

NIHR Diversity Data Report (2021). This is the first formal report of diversity data in who receives NIHR funding. It represents an initial baseline that will form the benchmark for further reporting that will form the basis for the continual development of NIHR’s EDI strategy.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activity and working experience of clinical academics, with a focus on gender and ethnicity: a qualitative study in the UK
A qualitative study exploring experiences and challenges of combining clinical academic training with family life. This study explores the pressures of combining clinical academic roles with family life, particularly those with caring responsibilities.
Factors impacting on retention, success and equitable participation in clinical academic careers: a scoping review and meta-thematic synthesis. This study reviews current evidence on the factors that affect recruitment, retention, participation and progression within the clinical academic pathway, with a focus on protected characteristics including gender, ethnicity and sexual orientation.

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Career stories

Explore interviews with clinical academics from a range of backgrounds and career stages. These conversations explore real career paths, offering...

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Training and mentorship programmes

Find training, development and mentorship opportunities to support your clinical academic career.

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Last updated on 4 February 2026.