Co-production, equality, diversity & inclusion at the NIHR School for Primary Care Research Trainee Event 2024

by Kerstin Nothnagel, Postgraduate researcher and PhD student, Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol

This month, I had the privilege of attending the National Institute for Health and Care Research School for Primary Care Research Trainee event in Manchester, where I connected and collaborated with fellow SPCR researchers. The event was more than just an academic gathering—it was an inspiring opportunity to share insights and reflect on our work as a community.

A highlight of the event was the Co-Production, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (CEDI) session, led by Patrick Nyikavaranda. This session was particularly significant for a few reasons. The purpose was to dive deep into understanding how our diverse experiences and backgrounds shape our research, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive research environment. In today’s globalized world, belonging is a crucial element. As researchers, the ability to work across differences in identity and experience is essential. The session reinforced that building an inclusive, fair, and just research culture isn’t just important—it’s necessary for meaningful scientific progress.

The statement we developed during the session was the product of rich discussions and reflections:

“We recognise and appreciate that we all come from diverse backgrounds, with unique experiences that are valued and valuable. Rooted in the principles of fairness, justice, and allyship, we commit to learning, unlearning, and relearning, growing together in a non-blaming, safe environment. Each individual commits to regular self-reflection and to challenging existing misinformation, disinformation, and unconscious bias. We will start by identifying what we share, what unites us as a community, and engage in four-minute ‘eye contact’ session to explore our differences, fostering understanding on a human level.”

It captured our collective commitment to promoting fairness, justice, and allyship. More than just words, it serves as a guiding principle for our ongoing research. The act of developing this statement was powerful—it challenged us to unlearn, relearn, and grow together. This was an opportunity to create a sense of belonging within the research community, a shared foundation that allows us to support one another both personally and intellectually.

For me, this experience will influence how I conduct my research moving forward. I’m more aware of my own biases and the impact they can have, and I’m committed to integrating self-reflection as part of my research process. I’ve also learned the importance of actively creating safe spaces for collaboration—spaces where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. This will enhance the quality of my research, ensuring it remains grounded in principles of inclusivity.

The implications for others are just as profound. By embracing these principles, we can build research environments that are more innovative and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. The statement we created can serve as a model for how research groups can foster a more inclusive atmosphere, where every individual feels valued.

The SPCR Trainee event wasn’t just for PhD students; it was for anyone passionate about improving healthcare research, from early career researchers to experienced academics. And it was worth attending because of its unique blend of professional development and personal growth. Whether through presenting my own research and receiving feedback or learning from the experiences of others, I left the event feeling more connected to the SPCR community and better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

It was an unforgettable experience, and I feel incredibly privileged to be part of such a forward-thinking, supportive research community.

Reblogged with permission from Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol