Lessons from research and innovation: embedding diversity and inclusion into projects

From priorities to expertise and experiences, partnerships are driven by a range of factors. Given the multifaceted challenges engineers are trying to solve, diversity can be a force for good. Successful partnerships will always require collaboration. This guide compiles learnings from the Frontiers programme participants on incorporating diversity and inclusion (D&I) into research and innovation.

Principles

 

• D&I enhances the entire research process. From a researcher’s perspective, all partners will have a say and access to the tools and knowledge needed without feeling like an ‘other.’ From a target community perspective, diverse and inclusive projects are better suited to a wider group of people when many perspectives have been considered. Participants emphasised that differences should not be feared, rather, they should be seen as a strength.
• Inclusion is not a one-off consideration. It requires planning at the outset, careful execution throughout the project and regular review. In addition, project leaders must ensure that all partners are heard, especially those with expertise in D&I.
• Project leaders should regularly evaluate the D&I of the team, the level of engagement over time and how strategies adapt to changing circumstances.
• A variety of methods can be used to help maintain an inclusive and collaborative environment. Make sure that not only are an array of perspectives invited into collaborations, but also that individuals are given space to engage in different ways and partner with diverse groups.

Tools and tips

• Connect with potential collaborators through shared passions, rather than shared backgrounds. This invites different perspectives working towards a shared goal.
• Inclusive language can set the standard for a project. Ensure that this is understood by all project collaborators.
• Diversity should be viewed as a benefit, not merely a requirement.
• Consider and adapt to the ways that biases affect technology and data collection. For instance, gender often influences how digital tools are used.
• Have a flexible mindset. As projects progress, needs change, making self-evaluation and adaptation crucial to maintaining an inclusive and diverse environment. Representation should be visible across different aspects of a project, from team members to panels, survey respondents and more.

• Establish key performance indicators that measure progress and keep the project on track.
• Encourage a variety of skills and backgrounds among collaborators. Employ a multidisciplinary approach to make the most of a wide array of capabilities.
• Consider potential risks and create mitigation strategies in the planning phases of a project.
• Understand methods to improve environmental sustainability. The principles of biomimicry, for instance, can help minimise impacts.

Resource recommendations from symposia participants

Participants identified several helpful resources:

• Impact integrator course from Walcott Communications
• How to write a logical framework, Tools 4 Dev
• Gender analysis and training, UN Women
• Challenges and Strategies in Place-Based Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Sustainability: Learning from Experiences in the Global South
• Logical framework methodology for planning, monitoring and project evaluation and programs (Spanish)