Teesside University awarded £100k to increase diversity and inclusion in engineering

Teesside University is one of eight universities set to receive a grant of £100,000 to increase diversity and inclusion in engineering.

The funding, awarded by The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Impact Programme, will support the University to address unequal outcomes experienced by students from diverse and underrepresented groups studying engineering.

The innovative project at Teesside will aim to increase the number of home students within the field of postgraduate engineering research. Through activities such as paid internships on locally relevant research projects, the initiative will provide students with opportunities to develop their digital skills and expand their knowledge.

It will also give students the chance to develop their understanding of the methodologies needed in the new, high-value industries aligned to sustainable engineering and net-zero technology that are at the heart of the Tees Valley’s economic and industrial regeneration.

Professor Chrisina Jayne, Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, said: “At Teesside University, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment that enables everyone to achieve their full potential.

“I am delighted to receive this funding which will provide students with additional opportunities to positively shape their future. This important new project seeks to empower our home students to progress within postgraduate engineering research, equipping the Tees Valley with the knowledge and skills the region needs.”

Launched in October 2021, the Diversity Impact Programme aims to inspire change in university engineering departments so that all students succeed, enabling the unique perspectives and experiences of engineers from diverse backgrounds to enhance the profession.

Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “Engineering and technology shape the world around us and play a critical role in addressing some of the greatest global challenges of our age. It is therefore vital that the engineering profession is reflective of the society it seeks to serve.

“There is also an overwhelming evidence base for the business benefits of diverse teams and inclusive leadership so as an Academy one of our priorities is to ensure that the UK has a world-leading and truly inclusive engineering workforce, something that we can only achieve if we boost the numbers and diversity of those choosing engineering careers.

“In order to do that we need to address the inequality of experience and outcomes for engineering students and graduates from underrepresented groups. I hope these projects will provide important insights into how we can achieve this and help to create more inclusive cultures at a critical stage for aspiring engineers.”

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