NI-ADAPT is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive and respectful research culture in which doctoral researchers can thrive and prepare for impactful careers in research, innovation and the wider life sciences sector.
We consider equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the doctoral journey: from making opportunities accessible and recruiting fairly, to supporting students and using feedback and evidence to improve the programme. Our approach reflects UKRI expectations for doctoral training and the equality, diversity and inclusion commitments of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU).
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of educational, social and personal backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from groups underrepresented in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, including people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled applicants, and people whose financial, educational or personal circumstances have limited their access to research opportunities.
We recognise that there are many routes into research. Applicants will be assessed on their research potential, motivation, skills and relevant experience, with achievements considered in context. A non-traditional career or educational pathway will not, in itself, be a disadvantage.
We aim to make the application process clear, accessible and fair. We will provide information about NI-ADAPT projects and the application process through the programme website and an applicant webinar.
Selection panels will use clear criteria and consistent assessment processes. Where practicable, information that is not needed to assess an application will be withheld during shortlisting. Panel members will receive guidance to support fair and consistent decision-making, and recruitment outcomes will be reviewed to help identify potential barriers.
We ask applicants for optional equality, diversity and inclusion information so that we can monitor who applies, identify potential barriers and evaluate our recruitment processes.
Providing this information is voluntary. It is collected separately from the material used to assess your application and will not be available to those assessing or ranking applications. Choosing not to provide it will not disadvantage your application.
NI-ADAPT is committed to an inclusive, supportive and respectful research culture in which doctoral researchers can thrive. Wellbeing and access to support will be an integral part of your doctoral experience.
More details will be provided at induction, through supervisory meetings and yearly welcome back events.
All students will complete core EDI training, covering topics such as unconscious bias, inclusive research cultures and active bystander approaches.
We will provide opportunities for peer mentoring and cohort support. Each semester, students will have an opportunity to meet with the programme team and share feedback and experiences through Student Voice. More details of this and the student-led summer conference here
Students can access pastoral support and the doctoral training and development services at their host institution: the Thomas J. Moran Graduate School at QUB or the Doctoral College at Ulster.
We will use student feedback and relevant programme data to review our approach and make improvements throughout NI-ADAPT.