Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The CDT in Biomedical AI has been committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where everybody felt supported and respected.

The principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) underpinned all our practices, policies and vision. We aspired to build a community based on the values of integrity, collegiality and inclusivity, where every individual felt able to develop to their full potential and to be treated with dignity and respect.

The CDT, together with its partner Institutes at the University of Edinburgh, put in place various resources and initiatives to support its continuing commitment to equality and diversity for both students and staff. We regularly reviewed our efforts and introduced improvements based on collected feedback, key indicators and latest best practice.

EDI training

  • All students were required to undertake an EDI workshop during the Induction week. It covered EDI challenges in academia and importance of taking EDI aspects into account when designing biomedical AI research projects. The workshop was delivered by the CDT EDI Champion and Deputy Director, Prof Meriem El Karoui.
  • All supervisors, selection panel members and other staff underwent training on Challenging Unconscious Bias and Equality & Diversity Essentials. The university continues to offer training modules on disability awareness, mental health support and other topics designed to help staff better support students with different needs.

Student Support

The CDT, and the wider University community, has many provisions in place to support students throughout their studies. CDT programme offers tailored support and flexible working patterns to meet individual student needs. 

We arranged individual career coaching sessions for students from underrepresented groups to support their PhD journey and post-PhD career choices.

The CDT set up a carers fund to cover student expenses for dependant care incurred due to participation in events outside of normal working hours.

The University of Edinburgh has a range of support structures and policies aimed at helping to get the most of studies. These include Student Disability Service, Counselling Service, support for student carers and student parents, Dignity and Respect Policy, Equality and Diversity Strategy, Outcomes and Action Plan, Student Maternity and Family Leave Policy, and others.

There conintues to be many informal student societies and support networks at the University dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and welcome space for their members. These include LGBTQ+ Society, Edinburgh University Women in STEM Society, Mental Health and Wellbeing Society, Student Carers group and many others.

The University of Edinburgh is a recognised Stonewall Diversity Champion and Carer Positive Employer, a signatory of the Social Mobility Pledge and a member of the national Race Equality Charter. The School of Informatics, which hosts the CDT programme, has a dedicated Equality and Diversity committee and has achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of its commitment to advancing the representation of women in STEM.

University policies and resources

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