We have received additional funding from our funder NERC to develop a network of climate change facilitators in the NE, across both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities (with support from the ONE Planet partnership) and establish a new environmental outreach programme that is underpinned by a DEI assessment and impact framework.

Our aim is to instigate a step-change in engagement from minoritized groups by enhancing the impact of pre-existing activities at individual institutions, via a new joint approach that further integrates DEI considerations, such as ethnic representation, language, and cultural capital. This project will found a legacy network beyond the lifetime of the grant, by developing an effective framework for delivery. 

The project is led by one of our Directors Emma Hocking, and includes a academics, outreach practitioners, PGR interns (see below), and professional services; whose expertise will be maximised across three phases of work. Critical to the project’s success are the active outreach teams across both partner institutions https://nustem.uk/ and https://stem.ncl.ac.uk/

‌The ‘ONE Planet Outreach Network’ aims to address the low engagement of minoritized ethnic groups across the NE in the natural and environmental sciences, by: 

1. Mapping and critically evaluating current outreach initiatives (Workstream 1), 
2. Strategically developing a framework for effective co-ordinated outreach delivery (Workstream 2), and  
3. Piloting the delivery of an outreach programme that challenges the perceptions of Higher Education and career opportunities within the natural and environmental sciences (Workstream 3).  

If you are interested in taking part or would like to find out more please contact us: oneplanet@ncl.ac.uk