IGNITE Network+

A newsletter header for “IGNITE Network+ Monthly News Digest, February 2026” featuring an illustrated banner of diverse people standing behind a globe with icons representing energy technologies above them. The IGNITE Network+ logo appears in the top right. Below the banner, text introduces highlights from the energy research community, including event highlights, publications, the IGNITE Champions network, and community updates.

A large conference room with high ceilings and purple accent lighting is filled with attendees seated at round tables during the “EDI in Energy Research: From Theory to Practice” event. Everyone is facing a presenter at the front of the room. Two large projection screens display the same slide with text and graphics. The presenter sits at a table with a microphone, while attendees take notes on laptops and paper. The room features tall arched windows, wooden floors, and a ceiling‑mounted projector.

Infographic titled “UK Energy Sector EDI Interventions: A Scoping Survey,” branded with the IGNITE Network+ and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council logos. The infographic summarizes current Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices, challenges, and opportunities in the UK energy workforce. It reports that 180 respondents participated, with demographic details shown. A section titled “Voices from the Sector” includes short quotes about EDI being treated as optional, valued but inconsistent, or reduced when budgets tighten. The “State of EDI” section shows statistics including 68% reporting that leadership treats EDI strategies as important, 61% saying the same for policies and guidance, 41% regularly reviewing data, and 23% having fully staffed EDI functions. A circular chart highlights priority dimensions of diversity, mainly gender and ethnicity. “Enablers of Effective EDI Interventions” lists leadership commitment, co‑designed engagement, adequate resourcing, and data‑driven feedback. A bar chart in the “Barriers to Progress” section shows leadership buy‑in and resourcing as the biggest obstacles. “Future Direction/Key Takeaways” highlights four themes: embedding EDI strategically; resourcing and leadership; intersectional and collaborative practice; and improving data without over‑surveying. A small illustration at the bottom shows a person unlocking a door, representing future progress.

A project summary report cover titled “Navigating EDI Complexity: Addressing Challenges in Energy Research Sector,” branded with the UKRI EPSRC and IGNITE Network+ logos. The title sits on a purple banner over a background of interlocking puzzle pieces. Below, the report lists the principal investigator and co‑investigators from Cranfield University. The opening of the executive summary is shown, explaining that the project examines gaps between EDI commitments and implementation in the energy sector using mixed‑methods research.

Latest news digest, Feb 2026 includes:
EDI in Energy Research event, webinar insights on UK energy‑sector EDI interventions, new publications, a call to join the IGNITE Champions Network, and community updates.

Explore ➡️ tinyurl.com/msm2n7ad

#EDI #DiversityInEnergy #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion

Front Cover of the Final Report - Navigating EDI Complexity: Addressing Challenges in Energy Research Sector

New flexible funded project final report out now: exploring the gap between EDI commitments and real digital design practice in the energy sector "Navigating EDI Complexity: Addressing Challenges in Energy Research Sector". Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/4nwd84j9

#EDI #Energy #Research #InclusiveDesign

EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice Promotional Image

🌟 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁! 🌟

Join us for a deep dive into how the principles of EDI can be applied in Energy Research at our event "EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice"

📆 14 Jan 2026
🏓 The Exchange Birmingham

Register for free - travel grants available
➡️ lnkd.in/e3R7QXaS

@ukerc.bsky.social

EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice Promotional Image

🌟 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝘁! 🌟

Join us for a deep dive into how the principles of EDI can be applied in Energy Research at our event "EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice"

📆 14 Jan 2026
🏓 The Exchange Birmingham

Register for free - travel grants available
➡️ lnkd.in/e3R7QXaS

@ukerc.bsky.social

Join the official launch webinar "A Scoping Survey of EDI Interventions in the UK Energy Sector"

🗓 19 Jan 2026 | 14:00–15:00
🎤 Speaker: Prof. Mustafa F. Özbilgin (Brunel University London)

🔗 Register: lnkd.in/exGCNEvW

#EDI #Equity #Inclusion #Diversity
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Have you witnessed or experienced bullying and/or sexual harassment in the UK's research and innovation sector? 🚨

The @edicaucus.bsky.social survey is still open until 31 Dec 2025.

Details below! 👇

Front cover of the Nov-25 News Digest

Graphic for IGNITE Network+ Full Network Member Spotlight. The design features a circular frame with a person in formal attire inside, set against a light blue background with abstract geometric patterns. Text reads: “Dr Nikhil Shah | Lecturer | Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment | Ulster University.” Below, bold text says: “FULL NETWORK MEMBER SPOTLIGHT.” IGNITE Network+ logo appears in the bottom left, and a QR code with “SCAN ME” is in the bottom right

A promotional graphic for IGNITE Network+ and UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The main text reads: “Call for Participants – IGNITE’s EDI in STEM and the Energy Research Sector Survey.” On the right side, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the IGNITE rainbow logo and the words “SCAN ME.” The background features abstract blue shapes and an illustrated group of diverse people at the bottom, with icons representing science and energy concepts such as hydrogen (H₂), lightbulbs, and gears.

Banner for a report titled “UK Energy Sector EDI Interventions: A Scoping Survey.” Includes logos for IGNITE Network+, UKRI, and EPSRC. Text highlights: 180 respondents; 68% have formal EDI strategies; quotes such as “EDI isn’t in their KPIs, so it’s treated as optional” and “Leadership buy-in and resource scarcity are the biggest obstacles to lasting EDI change.” Background features stylised wind turbines and abstract figures.

Latest news digest Nov 2025:
⚡ EDI Updates from the #EnergyResearch community!
🔹 EDI Events, Have your say via our survey, EDI interventions - what's working, Champions Network and lots more...

Explore & get involved ➡️ tinyurl.com/ybwz6bks

#EDI #DiversityInEnergy #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion

Important new report from the Royal Society of Chemistry on Disability-Inclusive Labs in the chemical sciences. Inaccessible labs limit innovation & equity—this report offers 15 practical recommendations for sector-wide change.
#Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #EDI

EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice Promotional Image

Join us for a deep dive into how the principles of EDI can be applied in Energy Research at our event "EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice"

📆 14 January 2026
🏓 The Exchange, Centenary Row, Birmingham

Register for free (travel grants available):
➡️ lnkd.in/e3R7QXaS

@ukerc.bsky.social

Join the official launch webinar "A Scoping Survey of EDI Interventions in the UK Energy Sector"

🗓 19 Jan 2026 | 14:00–15:00
🎤 Speaker: Prof. Mustafa F. Özbilgin (Brunel University London)

🔗 Register: lnkd.in/exGCNEvW

#EDI #Equity #Inclusion #Diversity
🧵

🚨 Is #EDI in the UK energy sector making real progress—or just ticking boxes?

Our new IGNITE Network+ State of the Nation Report dives deep into what’s working, what’s failing, and what must change for an inclusive energy future.

📄 Read the report: lnkd.in/ervdUetf
#Equity #Inclusion #Diversity
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Join us in Birmingham for an event on the importance of EDI in energy research ⚡

📅 14 Jan 2026
📍 Birmingham

From UKERC, @ignitenetplus.bsky.social, Supergen Energy Networks Hub & EDI+, the day brings together researchers to explore how to apply EDI in practice: ukerc.ac.uk/events/edi-i...

#AcademicSky #STEM #STEMSky #Research #ECRs #EDI #DEI #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion #Equality #EnergySky #EnergyResearch #DiversityInEnergy #Energy #Research

EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice Promotional Image

Join us for a deep dive into how the principles of EDI can be applied in Energy Research at our event "EDI in Energy Research: From Theory into Practice"

📆 14 January 2026
🏓 The Exchange, Centenary Row, Birmingham

Register for free (travel grants available):
➡️ lnkd.in/e3R7QXaS

@ukerc.bsky.social

A promotional graphic for the IGNITE Network+ 2026 Mentoring Programme: Action Learning Circles. The background is light blue with white text explaining that the network is recruiting facilitators and circle participants for the 2026 cohort. The programme supports researchers from underrepresented and minoritised groups in energy research through structured peer mentoring and action learning. At the top are the IGNITE Network+ and UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council logos. A QR code with the label “SCAN ME” appears on the left, along with links: www.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/mentoring, ignitenetplus@strath.ac.uk, and hashtag #IGNITEMentoring2026. On the right, there is a circular purple banner stating: “Ready to Get Involved? Submit your Application 21 November 2025.” Behind this banner is an image of people sitting around a table in discussion.

🚀 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲! Find out more and apply: www.igninetplus.ac.uk/mentoring
Closing date for applications: 21 November 2025

#mentoring #energy #equity #diversity #inclusion #EDI #careerdevelopment #actionlearning

⏳ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 – 𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

📅 EOIs close today – Friday 31 October
📅 Join the briefing session - Tuesday 4 November, 14:15 - 15:00
📅 Final applications due - Friday 21 November

Find out more: www.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/mentoring

Snip of the front cover of the October 2025 digest.

Cover page of a document titled "Mapping EDI Webpages and Diversity Statements in Higher Education." The background is light blue with the title in bold, dark blue font. Authors Fabio Fasoli and Marco Reggiani are listed on the right below the title. At the bottom are logos for University of Surrey, University of Strathclyde Glasgow, and IGNITE Network+.

Cover of Energy Research & Social Science journal.

Front Cover of the Final Report of the Did This Really Happen?! - Fighting sexism in science one comic strip at a time.

Latest news digest Oct 2025:
⚡ EDI Updates from the energy research community!
🔹 IGNITE Mentoring 2026.
🔹 EDI energy survey.
🔹 Flex Funds projects are publishing.
🔹 Case study: Widening Access to PGR.

Explore & get involved ➡️ tinyurl.com/4t77x6fv

#EnergyResearch #EDI #DiversityInEnergy

UKERC Newsletter In this Centre for Energy Policy podcast from the University of Strathclyde, UKERC researchers Stephen Agyeman and Aliya Tskhay explore how the global demand for critical minerals is reshaping economies,...

Interested in a new role? Our newsletter has opportunities from @ignitenetplus.bsky.social, @sussex.ac.uk, and Oxford Brookes.

Find out more and apply: mailchi.mp/14f698a50c45...

Did This Really Happen illustrates inappropriate workplace behavior. Panel 1: A person gives a PhD presentation while another says, "I didn't listen... I was too busy determining whether you would sleep with me," prompting an angry reaction. Panel 2: A person with travel sickness exits a car and is asked, "What are you pregnant? We still need you to complete this project." Panel 3: After a job interview, a person is told, "Well with that dress on, of course we hired you," while another laughs. The comics highlight sexist and unprofessional remarks in professional settings. Logos for DTRH with social media (twitter and instagram) @TEAM_DTRH and web-site www.didthisreallyhappen.net

Funded by IGNITE EDI Challenges, the 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻?! (𝗗𝗧𝗥𝗛) is a creative and impactful initiative that confronts everyday #sexism in science through comics based on real, anonymised testimonies from the scientific community.

➡️ Read the report tinyurl.com/33bhmd5v

#DiversityInEnergy

We are delighted to announce the 2026 launch of the IGNITE mentoring Programme: Action Learning Circles! The network is now recruiting facilitators and circle participants to take part in the Programme to support researchers from underrepresented and minoritised groups in energy research. Closing Date for Expressions of interest: 31 October January 2025. More information at wwww.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/mentoring

All mentoring is good, but I also think it is good to do mentoring with others who may have experienced similar challenges around being in a "minority" in their profession in some way. Participant 2025.

Serving as a facilitator was transformative—I deepened my understanding of action learning and gained invaluable insights from the diverse perspectives of the peers I mentored. This exchange fostered mutual learning and strengthened my ability to guide through inquiry and reflection. Facilitator 2025.

📢 We are delighted to announce the launch of the IGNITE Network+ Mentoring Programme 2026: Action Learning Circles! Interested? You can find out more on our web-site: www.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/...

#DiversityInEnergy #EDI #mentoring #actionlearning #ECRs #EnergyResearch

Snip of the new digest cover, September 2025.

"All mentoring is good, but I also think it is good to do mentoring with others who may have experienced similar challenges around being in a "minority" in their profession in some way." Participant 2025.

over page of the "IGNITE Network+ Interim Report" dated June 2025, featuring logos for UKRI, EPSRC, and IGNITE Network+. The title is in large purple text with a light blue background of abstract line drawings of buildings, trees, and street. A QR code labeled "scan me" appears in the bottom left corner.

Promotional graphic for a survey - text reads 'Call for Participants: IGNITE’s EDI in STEM and the Energy Research Sector Survey.' The image features logos for IGNITE Network+ and UKRI EPSRC at the top. A large speech bubble contains the survey title. To the right, a hand holds a smartphone displaying a QR code with the label 'SCAN ME.' The background includes illustrations of diverse individuals and scientific icons like light bulbs, gears, molecules, and hydrogen symbols (H2).

Latest news digest Sept 2025:
⚡ EDI Updates from the energy research community!
🔹 IGNITE Mentoring 2026
🔹 EDI surveys, Interim report & PEERS report
🔹 New resources & events

Explore & get involved ➡️ tinyurl.com/4x4xm5hw

#EnergyResearch #EDI #DiversityInEnergy

We are delighted to announce the 2026 launch of the IGNITE mentoring Programme: Action Learning Circles! The network is now recruiting facilitators and circle participants to take part in the Programme to support researchers from underrepresented and minoritised groups in energy research. Closing Date for Expressions of interest: 31 October January 2025. More information at wwww.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/mentoring

All mentoring is good, but I also think it is good to do mentoring with others who may have experienced similar challenges around being in a "minority" in their profession in some way. Participant 2025.

Serving as a facilitator was transformative—I deepened my understanding of action learning and gained invaluable insights from the diverse perspectives of the peers I mentored. This exchange fostered mutual learning and strengthened my ability to guide through inquiry and reflection. Facilitator 2025.

📢 We are delighted to announce the launch of the IGNITE Network+ Mentoring Programme 2026: Action Learning Circles! Interested? You can find out more on our web-site: www.ignitenetplus.ac.uk/initiatives/...

#DiversityInEnergy #EDI #mentoring #actionlearning #ECRs #EnergyResearch

Recommendations ✅
To make G/DAs more inclusive:
• Use objective recruitment (e.g. anonymous CVs)
• Boost school-level awareness
• Support apprentices & employers
• Tackle workplace culture issues

read the report ➡️ tinyurl.com/5x7626eb

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Key Findings 📌
• Lack of diversity (gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic)
• Informal recruitment excludes candidates
• Awareness gaps in schools
• Limited support for carers
• Exclusive cultures persist

read the report ➡️ tinyurl.com/5x7626eb

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Graduate/Degree Apprenticeships (G/DAs) offer alternative routes into Higher Education, but face major equity challenges.

read the report ➡️ tinyurl.com/5x7626eb

#EquityInEnergy #Apprenticeships #EDI #EnergyCareers #IGNITENetwork #DiversityInEnergy #EDI #Equity #Diversity #Inclusion

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Report cover for the IGNITE Network+ Flexible Funded Project Final Report titled 'PEERS - Pathways for Equal access to the Energy Research Sector.' The design includes colorful puzzle pieces in the background and logos of UKRI, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and IGNITE Network+. Authors listed are Stewart Beattie, Associate Dean, and Michele Romano, Research Associate, both from the University of Strathclyde. The executive summary discusses apprenticeship degrees in Scotland and England as alternative routes to traditional higher education.

We are delighted to share the final report from the 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗥𝗦 - 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿” project led by Dr Stewart Beattie, University of Strathclyde.

This project was funded under the Flexible Funded EDI Challenges scheme (round one).

➡️ tinyurl.com/5x7626eb

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