DiverSTOR-i: Promoting Diversity in Postgraduate STOR at Lancaster University

Posted on by Chris AtkinsonJessie Whaite

PGRs that are part of the ISTOR

The Challenge: For STOR-i to become a more diverse and inclusive space by improving access, increasing the visibility of role models, and fostering an inclusive environment that motivates and supports underrepresented students to pursue research careers. Activity: DiverSTOR-i organises storytelling events, mentoring panels, coding meetups, and community initiatives to create safe spaces for connection and learning. These activities clarify PhD pathways, build student confidence, and increase representation in postgraduate research. Impact: Better representation within the student community and increased confidence to pursue postgraduate study. Peer-led governance fostered inclusion and showed the impact of student leadership. Significantevents like the "Data for All" panel boostedcredibility and recognition. Next Steps: DiverSTOR-i offers a scalable model for student initiatives, focusing on recruitment and mentoring to foster collective growth. It promotes sustainable change in higher education through authentic storytelling, student leadership, and inclusive programs that build trust and engagement.

The Challenge

Postgraduate programmes in Statistics and Operational Research have historically faced underrepresentation of women and ethnic minorities. Contributing factors include a lack of visible role models, targeted support, and inclusive pathways, leading to persistently low application and retention rates.

National reports highlight systemic barriers to participation for underrepresented students in STEM postgraduate education. DiverSTOR-i was established as students wanted to create a group where EDI issues could be openly discussed

The Approach

Student leadership was central to the model. In 2024, the DiverSTOR-i Network was led by STOR-i PhD students Max Howell and Joe Rutherford, demonstrating the strength of peer-led governance. Events were promoted through inclusive channels and hosted both in-person and hybrid formats to enable broad and flexible participation.

The initiative focused on building the DiverSTOR-i Network, designed to foster inclusion and highlight lived experiences. Key elements included:

  • Inclusive Events: Storytelling panels, mentoring sessions, and career talks showcasing diverse role models.
  • Safe Community Spaces: Forums where students could connect, share experiences, and ask questions freely.
  • Peer-Led Coding Sessions: Fortnightly, informal meetups supporting collaborative learning.
  • Celebratory & Reflective EDI Activities: Events marking Pride, International Women’s Day, and Movember, reinforcing belonging through shared experiences.

Key Events Delivered

  • Keynote lecture by Professor Christina Pagel (UCL) on career journeys in Operational Research.
  • “Queer Data” talk by alumnus Paul Sharkey, exploring algorithmic bias and LGBTQ+ experiences.
  • International Women’s Day reflective session with Professor Rachel McCrea.
  • Community-led STOR-i Pride Bake Off, featuring a bespoke Pride-Progress logo.
  • Movember campaign, raising £400 for men’s mental health initiatives.
  • DiverSTOR-i participation in Lancaster University’s Data for All panel hosted by the Data Science Institute.

Measuring Success

Evaluation Approach

DiverSTOR-i is grounded in EDI principles and co-creation, with continuous feedback ensuring activities remain relevant and aligned with best practice. The initiative is supported by a broad coalition of stakeholders, including STOR-i CDT staff and students, University EDI and widening participation teams, alums, external speakers, and current PhD students in leadership roles.

  • Quantitative: Attendance and demographic data are tracked year-on-year
  • Qualitative: Post-event surveys and reflective tools capture changes in confidence, motivation, and belonging, while participant testimonials evidence identity growth and clearer career aspirations.
  • KPIs: Increased participation and diversity, stronger representation in networks, and sustained engagement with STOR-i pathways.

Outcomes

  • Growing Reach: Attendance rose from 50 in 2023 to over 70 in 2024, with increased engagement from underrepresented students and growth in digital visibility and social media presence.
  • Representation & Belonging: Students reported feeling better represented, more motivated, and more confident about pursuing postgraduate opportunities.
  • Ambition & Identity: Testimonials highlighted a stronger sense of identity, belonging, and more defined career ambitions in Statistics, Operational Research and related fields.

Long-Term Impact

  • Year-on-year growth in diverse participation across STOR-i activities.
  • Expanding networks of underrepresented students in STEM.
  • A stronger pipeline into postgraduate study and research pathways.
  • Lasting cultural change, with sustained engagement embedding representation, belonging, and ambition into the heart of postgraduate education.

Lessons Learned

  • Storytelling Works: Student-led panels foster inclusion by sharing lived experiences, creating safe environments for honest conversations and stronger connections.
  • Partnerships Build Reach: Collaborations with student societies and liberation networks raise awareness and extend engagement.
  • Consistency Matters: Ongoing activities such as coding meetups and resource sharing prove more effective than isolated, one-off events
  • Representation matters: Visibility in promotional materials, speaker line-ups, and events fosters trust and authenticity. Leadership roles and events should also be representative.
  • Co-creation Strengthens Impact: Involving students in the design and delivery of activities builds ownership, trust, and long-term sustainability.

Next Steps

  • Establish a structured network supported by regular events.
  • Expand activities through a 2025 programme of talks, workshops, and community-building events.
  • Build cross-institutional partnerships to scale the model nationally.

Replicability

The student-led model for embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in postgraduate education is practical and scalable, allowing other departments and institutions to replicate DiverSTOR-i’s approach for meaningful, sustainable change. Key steps include:

  • Start Small: Launch student-led events that centre on lived experiences.
  • Maintain Consistency: Build momentum through regular, visible, and inclusive programming.
  • Provide Resources: Offer outreach templates, mentoring guides, feedback tools, and evaluation frameworks.
  • Prioritise Co-creation: Involve students directly in design and delivery to build trust and long-term impact.

Further Information & Contact

Recent Events from DiverSTOR-i - Lancaster University

DiverSTOR-i Network Update - Lancaster University

stor-i@lancaster.ac.uk

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