The panel discussion on Navigating Minority Ethnic Identity in Postgraduate Research was a vibrant and thought-provoking event. It effectively united postgraduate researchers, YCEDE colleagues, stakeholders and other participants, creating a rich and varied dialogue. The members brought diverse perspectives and firsthand experiences to the discussion, making it a stimulating and engaging exchange centred around the essential topic of minority ethnic identity experiences in postgraduate research.
Panellists:
- Zenab Sabahat (University of Bradford)
- Sophia Lambert (University of Leeds)
- Amirah Muhammad (University of York)
- Uzunma Okezie Udokwu (university of Leeds)
Asha Akram and George Gisborne expertly moderated the panel and guided the discussion with thought-provoking questions.
How did you first hear about YCEDE?
Zenab shared an inspirational experience of her journey as PhD and scholar board with Brad Attain/YCEDE.
- She first heard about Brad Attain/YCEDE from her fellow PhD student who was doing engineering.
- Then she met an inspirational person, Lenka, Brad Attain/YCEDE coordinator at the University of Bradford. Who was able to spend time discussing PhD support and guidance available for prospective PGR from BME groups.
Sophia Lambert and Uzunma Udokwu heard about YCEDE for the first time through the PhD workshop led by George Gisborne and the EDI team at the University of Leeds.
- Uzunma Udokwu expressed her gratitude to George for his passion for helping her throughout the PhD recruitment process.
Amirah Muhammad at the University of York, where she went to attend the workshop for Brad Attain in 2023 got in contact with YCEDE members,
How could Brad Attain/YCEDE become more visible?
- The panellists offered invaluable suggestions to enhance the visibility of YCEDE. Some of the proposals included establishing stronger connections with the BME student society and the students’ union. Furthermore, they recommended leveraging online platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and others for an effective digital campaign. Additionally, they suggested visiting schools, colleges, and charity communities to engage with a wider audience. Lastly, they proposed the distribution of branding leaflets at local council meetings and graduation ceremonies to increase awareness of YCEDE.
How receptive have YCEDE been to your feedback?
- Zenab was extremely grateful and expressed her deep sense of appreciation for the opportunity to be part of the scholars’ board of YCEDE. She acknowledged the invaluable role played by Brad Attain and YCEDE in providing platforms for Minority Ethnic PhD researchers to voice their experiences and ideas to bring about positive change within institutions. Furthermore,
- Zenab mentioned that she had engaging discussions with equity initiative leaders, policy practitioners, funding organisations, and various stakeholders in higher education institutions.
What have YCEDE offered that other programs have not?
- The panellists highlighted the various forms of support and guidance they received, including funding for transportation to attend conferences, workshops, internships, and summer school. They also received help from scholarships and funding for workshops and a specialised summer school program for prospective PhD students from the BME group. Early-stage PhD students were also provided workshops and seminars to support their research journey.
- Brad Attain/YCEDE platform facilitated discussions among BME postgraduate researchers, and there was also a boot camp to enhance their skills and networking. Furthermore, individual experiences were shared to inspire other students, and efforts were made to ensure that the scholars’ board from BME postgraduate researchers had a voice in attending the YCEDE board directory meeting.
What else can HEIs do to improve access to BME students in PGR?
- Higher education institutions must enhance recruitment to ensure all candidates feel included and well-informed. This will involve providing more support and resources for new candidates and making the application process more transparent and accessible.
- In addition, looking to secure increased funding to establish additional scholarship opportunities specifically to support Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) postgraduate researchers (PGRs). This will help to address the underrepresentation of BME individuals in specific academic fields and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive research community.
- Furthermore, institutions must invest in the professional development of staff members dedicated to promoting equity and diversity within our institution. By providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can strengthen the initiatives to create an environment where all individuals are valued and supported.
- Lastly, turning (YCEDE) initiative and 13 other equity initiatives into the institutional framework. This will involve more funding and engaging with various stakeholders, including staff and students, to ensure these initiatives are fully embraced and implemented within our institution’s structure.
What motivated you to do a PhD? Was there any role model for inspiration?
The evidence highlighted in the panel powerfully demonstrates Brad Attain/YCEDE’s consistent and dedicated support for Black and Minority Ethnic postgraduate researchers (BME PGRs) over an extensive two-year timeframe. This unwavering support has been pivotal in catalysing meaningful and influential changes within Yorkshire’s higher education institutions, culminating in substantial enhancements in opportunities and resources for BME postgraduate researchers.