EDI
EDI Statement
Polar scientists are needed to tackle global grand environmental challenges that impact societies worldwide. Tackling these challenges while also reducing our carbon footprint requires diverse and wide-ranging viewpoints.
However, the demographics of those who undertake this vital research in the UK are currently not representative of our society. We aim to build a diverse community of future leaders in Net Zero Polar Science that does reflect our society. The Net Zero Polar Science Doctoral Training Program is committed to fostering an inclusive, secure and respectful research environment in which all students and staff can thrive. We will adopt a flexible approach to student working inclusive of parenting and caring responsibilities, health considerations, and cultural expectations and encourage applications from those with backgrounds less well represented in polar science.
Our EDI approach to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive culture and environment for our students is founded upon the 2023 NERC DEI Forum Report, builds on the experience we have gained through our involvement in 18 doctoral training programmes, and is informed by allied initiatives including the Diversity in Polar Science (DiPSi), the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE), the NEON Working Group on Widening Participation in Postgraduate Study which we lead or participate in and grounded by UKRI EDI Data.
Please see What is EDI and EDI Resources for more information.
NZPS DTP EDI Leads
Diversity in Polar Science (DiPSi) Co-Chair
Dr Sammie Buzzard (Northumbria University)
Day to day support: EDI Officer
Dr Heather Selley (University of Leeds)
Heather can provide support with anything related to Equality, Diversity or Inclusion in the DTP.
This includes:
- Listening to issues on current student experience, to feed them back (anonymously) to the DTP and work towards resolution
- Providing 1-2-1 support
- Advocating/helping with specific issues such as:
- Name/pronoun changes
- Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) applications
- Discrimination
- Providing guidance or signposting to other services across the NZPS institutions
We welcome feedback on what we are doing, what we can do better, and how we can work together to achieve our vision for outstanding UK polar science, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and to benefit. You can reach us at NZPS@northumbria.ac.uk


