Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

CDT Policy

inclusion

The management team and all staff associated with the EPSRC-SFI Centre for Doctoral Training in the Advanced Characterisation of Materials (CDT-ACM) wish to state clearly that we renounce discrimination in all forms. The CDT-ACM community is a broad and diverse one where everyone makes significant contributions to the fields of Engineering and Physicals Sciences. Our impact on research, training, education, policy and industry is far-reaching. The world is still very far from a place of equal treatment and opportunity for all and much more must be done.   In the CDT we have made some steps towards helping; by having EDI champions from the student body and the management committee, by our commitment to outreach projects and through reviewing our recruitment process but there is much more that can be done. With Black Lives Matter – we stand in solidarity and will act on the words and actions of those speaking out about racism and intolerance.

Within the CDT we all have a responsibility, collectively and individually, to tackle discrimination. All students and staff must identify and report all discriminatory and bullying behaviour, and treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age or national origin. We understand that there is still a way to go, but we are committed to carrying out a number of actions to address these issues. We, as a CDT, pledge to:

  • Introduce a Code of Conduct for all staff and students and communicate this through our website.
  • Continue to cultivate a community in which everyone feels welcomed, respected and can develop to their full potential.
  • Continue to monitor and modify our recruitment processes to ensure that these are fair.
  • Continue to develop outreach activities and develop policies to encourage applicants from the widest range of backgrounds.
  • Continue to work closely with colleagues to ensure that all staff and student interactions are always respectful and unbiased.
  • Ensure that all students and management board members continue to undertake the unconscious bias training.
  • Always welcome your suggestions and feedback on new initiatives and translate these into actions.

If you have been affected by recent events or have experienced discrimination in any form, the CDT is here to support you. There are a number of resources available to you and these are listed below.

Imperial College London

 University College London

Trinity College Dublin

The CDT is also committed via the memberships of our institutes to Athena Swan, time to change, Disability confident and Race Equality Charter

Nadir Basma

What differentiates the CDT ACM is the increased familiarity with facilities, techniques, and academic groups gained from working between the two partner universities.