In this blog, Dr Bukola Oyinloye shares findings from a study of academic and professional staff’s perspectives of doctoral success and draws some implications for the project. To gain insight into the qualities desired of PhD candidates, in Workstream two, we interviewed academics from the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Sciences and professional staff significantly involved in the review and selection …
by Nausheen Hoosein Hello everyone, my name is Professor Kate Arnold. I am currently Dean of York Graduate Research School (YGRS) and Professor of Ecology in the Department of Environment and Geography. Previously, I have served as the Head of EU exit strategy team (Resources and Waste Directorate, Defra); Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Reader and Professor (University of York); and completed Post-docs …
My research is looking at how movement of a parasite called Leishmania mexicana is affected in environments of different viscosities. The parasite causes a disease called Leishmaniasis. It is a neglected tropical parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of the sandfly insect. We know that movement is important for this parasite to develop and become infective. Understanding how motility is …
By Olivia Joseph I’m George, a PGR Diversity Officer at the University of Leeds. My job is to provide information, advice and guidance for people from minoritised backgrounds who want to access postgraduate research at Leeds and at the other YCEDE partner universities. The process of applying for a PhD is slightly different in each faculty at Leeds, and different …
This world of ideal meritocracy is regrettably, a mirage. To assume we live in a ‘post-race’ or ‘colourblind’ society undermines the reality of many Black, Asian and racially minoritized people globally. But why bring up this uncomfortable truth? Because recognizing and confronting our societal shortcomings is crucial if we want to improve and grow. Despite the uncomfortable debates it ignites, …
My name is Professor Paul Wakeling. I am currently Head of the Department of Education at the University of York. In YCEDE, I lead work on the review of doctoral recruitment and selection criteria, and practices to improve racial equity. As a sociologist of education, with particular interests in higher education, I have been conducting this type of research for …
This is the first blog post from Ayo Barley – our new Chair of the YCEDE External Advisory Board. You can find out more about her work on the Bakare Barley website. Culture is an undeniable aspect of human interaction and plays a fundamental role in shaping our thoughts, behaviours, values, and beliefs. In a continually evolving and increasingly interconnected …
by Summayah Patel In Summer 2022, I worked on one of 13 Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE) projects sponsored by the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCDE). I was one of 14 funded students who identified as coming from an underrepresented background. My project was on the Impact of Inclusive Assessment on Degree Awarding Gaps in partnership …
By Sophia Lambert In Summer 2022, I completed a research placement while studying a Master’s in Social and Cultural History at the University of Leeds. In October 2023, I will start my PhD, researching Bradford’s Jewish history. In this blog, I am going to share my experiences of completing a project placement during my Masters, including some of the benefits …
In this blog, Professor Paul Wakeling and Dr Bukola Oyinloye (University of York) set out the challenges to racial equity in UK doctoral admissions. They argue that how and who we select for entry to PhD degrees is a critical part of achieving a more racially just and successful research sector and outline what the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in …