Universities aim to improve research opportunities for people from minority ethnic backgrounds

Five North East universities are coming together for a special conference in Teesside, to help more people from minority ethnic backgrounds progress to postgraduate research careers.

Led by Durham University and involving Teesside, Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumbria universities, the Pro:NE project aims to strengthen the pathway into academic employment for racially minoritised ethnic students by reducing barriers to career advancement.

The project has received more than £2.5 million in funding from the Office for Students (£798,972) and the partner universities, and it focuses on four key areas: mental health, development, mentoring and admissions.

Teesside University will host the first Pro:NE Conference, titled ‘Working together to remove barriers to postgraduate research’, on Tuesday 13 June, 10.00am to 6.00pm.

The hybrid event is open to researchers, university staff and students, and it will feature distinguished speakers and experts, breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities.

It is hoped the conference will provide a platform for meaningful discussions and practical solutions and help create more equal opportunities for people to pursue their academic aspirations.

The conference will be opened by Professor Natasha Vall, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law, and Professor Sarah Aiston, Professor of Public Policy and institutional lead for the Pro:NE project, both from Teesside University.

It will include keynote speeches by Dr Donna Chambers, Professor of Tourism, and Professor Esther Akinlabi, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, both from Northumbria University, and workshop discussions on doctoral pathways, experiences, and steps to achieving postgraduate research success.

Professor Aiston said: “Teesside is delighted to be hosting the inaugural conference for the Pro:NE project.

“The day provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work of this unique and special partnership between the five North East universities, and to engage in dialogue and discussion with key stakeholders, including our postgraduate community, and provide networking opportunities.

“We are looking forward to welcoming conference delegates to work together on this hugely important agenda.”

For more information about the Pro:NE Conference on Tuesday 13 June, 10.00am-6.00pm

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