At Lancaster University, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is central to how we design, deliver and evaluate our Impact Acceleration Accounts (IAAs). Across both the AHRC and EPSRC IAAs, we are committed to widening participation, ensuring fair and transparent processes, and supporting projects that help address inequalities in society.
Our approach goes beyond UKRI’s baseline requirements. We have adopted enhanced EDI monitoring, proactive outreach, and responsible assessment practices to ensure that our IAAs create an inclusive pipeline of impact activity and deliver tangible benefits to diverse communities.
To ensure researchers have the time, clarity and support they need:
This approach has improved awareness, reduced barriers, and led to higher-quality applications.
Our ongoing Equality Impact Assessment (EIA), launched in 2023, analyses participation across protected characteristics and compares patterns across faculties.
Since June 2023, we have seen improvements across all groups previously identified as underrepresented:
In the AHRC IAA specifically:
This data-led approach ensures we understand who is applying, who is succeeding, and where further work is needed.
We ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive, rigorous and transparent:
This structure promotes consistency, reduces conflicts of interest, and supports fair outcomes.
Recognising the importance of socially responsible research impact, the IAAs explicitly include:
…as an eligible thematic area for funding.
This encourages proposals that directly address social inequality, representation and community inclusion.
We also support:
To ensure all staff are aware of the opportunities and resources available:
This increased visibility has led to higher engagement and more diverse applicants.
Our EDI work is closely aligned with Responsible Research & Innovation:
This integrated approach ensures that impact activity is both inclusive and responsible.
Many Lancaster IAA-funded projects are directly contributing to enhanced equality, social justice and accessible innovation.
Touch & See – Using 3D-printed lithophanes and audio descriptions to make museum collections accessible for people with sight loss; winner of the Creative Applications Award 2024 (TCT).
Seeing with Sound – An audio-only game co-created with blind and visually impaired people; winner of Visionary’s Inspire Award.
Women’s Iconography in the 21st Century – Developing new educational resources, hosting workshops, and creating the first digital archive of women’s iconography.
Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks – Advocating for people with albinism in sub-Saharan Africa.
Afrofuturist Board Game – Engaging young people in conversations about racial justice.
Walking with Wordsworth – Using nature-based therapy to support wellbeing.
Marketplace and I – Producing practical “How to Do Accessibility” guides and contributing evidence to national policymaking on disabled people’s access to transport.
Lancaster University remains committed to evolving and strengthening the EDI foundations of its IAA programmes.
Our next steps include:
