We continue to review and enhance concrete measures to ensure a positive research culture and improve diversity and inclusion in both recruitment and on-the-programme support for students’ research and professional development. Drawing from the invaluable experience gained over three funding periods since 2012, the new EastBio DLA places renewed emphasis on fostering Widening Participation (WP), Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and maintaining a culture of Dignity and Respect (D&R) as core features of our programme and student experience. Our commitment extends to providing a supportive experience for all our students, regardless of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, social class, religion or belief. We lead in implementing initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion, in recruitment and throughout the funded students’ academic and professional progression. For details on the targeted actions we undertake to implement our EDI plan, read the EDI Statement 2023, below, and consult further resources to access additional support or the Disabled Student Allowance. Further resources EastBio EDI Statement - Summary of the current EastBio EDI plan with list of actions agreed and details of the governance structure to implement the EDI plan.Neuroinclusion notes - Information about neuroinclusion in the workplacePersonal Support Manual - A guide of getting support for reasonable adjustments or DSA A useful set of relevant resources on The Wellbeing Thesis, accessible to students and supervisors alike.The Wellbeing Thesis Document Protecting your mental health A practical guide for postgraduate research students in STEM (873.5 KB / PDF) The University of Edinburgh Liberation Officers team can be approached to channel and provide support to marginalised students.The University of Edinburgh Liberation OfficersUniversity of Edinburgh Biological Sciences Additional Caring Costs FundUniversity of Edinburgh Inclusive LanguageUniversity of Edinburgh Mental Health NetworkUKRI EDI Caucus - EDICa Disability Rights UK Mental Health Foundation Long COVID Support SARSAS - Support for people of all genders affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives National Bullying Helpline - Call: 0300 323 0169 or 0845 22 55 787 S4Nd - The Society for Neurodiversity This article was published on 2024-06-17