ESRC have partnered with the Academy for Social Science (AcSS) on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
We have identified EDI as a priority area and this partnership demonstrates the importance of working closely with our social science communities at the disciplinary level. By working together with the social science societies that are members of AcSS, we can share resources, learning and maximise the potential to effect real and positive change. ESRC will be providing £240,000 over a three-year period to support ongoing EDI work in AcSS.
The AcSS, and the member social science societies, play an important role in developing the pipeline of researchers. They support and champion EDI within their disciplines and help engage the broader community. A working group of 14 Academy member societies and representatives from ESRC will work to identify and address gaps in the data, for example, in relation to understanding the pipeline and socio-economic background. They will also share best practices and implement positive interventions.
In late 2023, AcSS launched their EDI Good Practice Resource Hub, providing information and guidance to the Learned Societies. In March 2024, the ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the social sciences: summary data report’ was published by AcSS.
Two small scale grant funding rounds have also taken place: the first was awarded in December 2023 and the second in July 2024, with 12 successful bids funded.