Black Researcher Consortium
In plain English
AI plain-English summaryBlack researchers in the UK will gain a permanent, year-round network of support, networking events, and micro-funding through a new consortium built by and for people with Black heritage. The consortium addresses a well-documented gap: Black researchers face unique barriers to career progression and retention in UK academia, yet existing support is often fragmented, short-term, or not led by the communities it aims to serve. By bringing together founding partners including Wellcome, UKRI, the four National Academies, and the Elsevier Foundation, the consortium avoids duplicating existing efforts while filling the structural gaps they leave behind. If successful, the consortium will create a self-sustaining infrastructure—not a one-off intervention. Activities include regional networking events, an annual summit where senior leaders engage directly with Black researchers, workshops and webinars run by members, and small grants for Black-led organisations to accomplish specific tasks. Structured as a Community Interest Company, the consortium remains open to all while being governed by those with lived experience. The long-term impact would be measurable: improved retention of Black researchers in UK institutions, stronger professional networks, and a shift from ad hoc support to embedded, year-round collaboration.
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