Pioneering UCL programme achieves silver award at UK Social Mobility Awards 2022

The In2research programme aims to improve access to research study and academic careers for people from under-represented groups. The pre-doctoral programme looks to overcome barriers that impact students’ opportunity to participate in postgraduate research.

UCL received a £790,000 grant this year from the Office for Students and Research England to focus on improving access to research study for Black and minority ethnic participants from low-income backgrounds.

The programme was developed by UCL’s Doctoral School and the Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, and the social mobility charity In2scienceUK, and is delivered in collaboration with university and third sector partners including City University of London, University of Cambridge, Leading Routes, UK-Pakistan Science & Global Innovation Network and UCL Students’ Union.

On receiving the award Cassandra Hugill, Public Engagement Manager and In2Research Co- founder said: ‘We are delighted to gain the Silver Award in Innovation. The In2research programme, co-founded by UCL and education charity In2scienceUK, empowers people from low socioeconomic backgrounds to progress to postgraduate research. Through this, we aim to build a more diverse, inclusive and thriving research community and workforce.’

The UK Social Mobility Awards were set up to recognise organisations that are prioritising social mobility, for example through recruitment processes and progression programmes, outreach within the local community, or by developing innovative ways to create change. They are organised by leading societal change charity, Making The Leap, who support thousands of young people from less advantaged socio-economic backgrounds each year.

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation and Global Engagement) said: “We are honoured to be recognised for our participation in the In2research programme, and I’d like to extend my congratulations to the project team.

"UCL is committed to addressing inequality in higher education and tackling the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate study is a central part of that. Programmes like In2research are vital if we’re going to address the systemic barriers to research careers and ensure a diverse, representative talent base for the future.”

Tunde Banjoko OBE, Founder of The UK Social Mobility Awards, added: “The UK Social Mobility Awards is a vehicle to raise awareness of social mobility and showcases the individuals and organisations who are dedicated to its advancement.

"The number and quality of entries we received for this year’s awards is an indication of the increasing significance of social mobility to UK business. I would like to congratulate all the inspiring organisations and individuals who took home a trophy this year. All the UK Social Mobility Awards finalists are making a tangible difference to social mobility in this country and this recognition is extremely well-deserved.”

Links

• In2Research
• Addressing inequality and barriers for ethnic minority students in higher education
• UK Social Mobility Awards
• In2ScienceUK
• Making The Leap
• Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology

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UK Social Mobility Awards