Disabled Researchers Hub activities

Coaching Scheme

The Disabled Researchers’ Network Coaching Scheme provided funding for life/academic coaching for disabled and neurodivergent researchers at LJMU. Researchers planned a specific programme of activity, with a coach of their choice, that would support to develop their research careers. After a successful pilot round with 4 researchers in 2024, we were able to fund coaching for 10 researchers in 2025.

Disability Cultural Audit

We commissioned an independent cultural audit of disability at LJMU, with a particular focus on disabled researchers. This was undertaken by Pete Quinn Consulting during the 2023-24 academic year.

An initial desktop exercise evaluated LJMU policies, practices and procedures for examples of good practice, as well as potential gaps in provision for disabled researchers, in relation to good practices and examples from the wider UK sector. These were then explored in structured conversations with LJMU researchers and other key stakeholders at LJMU, many of whom identified as having a disability, long term health condition, mental health difficulty, or as neurodivergent.

Findings and recommendations have been shared with members of LJMU’s Executive Leadership Team, Research and Innovation Services, and at Disabled Researchers Network events.

Presentations and events

We particularly encourage researchers with lived experience of disability (broadly defined) to attend our events, but all staff and PGRs are invited, regardless of identity or experience. There is never any pressure to disclose your disability status and allies are welcome.

To be notified about our September 2025 celebration event please sign up to our mailing list.

Past events

Disabled Researchers’ Network Project Launch
May 2024

This relaxed workshop was held face-to-face and included an address from Professor Keith George (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise) on ‘Enhancing Research Culture at LJMU’. We formally launched the project and invited attendees to feed back on current and planned activities.

The day included short presentations, collaborative activities, and tasks that attendees could work on at their own pace. All activities offered multiple ways to participate and contribute, for example individual/group, spoken/text-based using Vevox/written.

Activities included:

  • a discussion of the barriers disabled and neurodivergent researchers might encounter, and how these might differ from other disabled staff
  • a collaging activity where we explored the connections between LJMU’s values and the project’s aims
  • exploration of how attendees perceive LJMU’s research culture, and how we might re-imagine research culture to be more inclusive

‘Community and Connection’
July 2024

Responding to issues raised at our first event, this event was held online and focused on community building, with activities including:

  • the launch of the Disabled Researchers’ Network coaching scheme
  • space to meet and make connections with other disabled researchers and allies
  • co-working slots for attendees to work on their own tasks in a mutually supportive environment

LJMU EdD research student Zoe Torsney developed this WONKHE blog post during the co-working slots at this event.

Christmas Workshop and Social
December 2024

This face-to-face event included a Christmas social, reporting on the findings and recommendations of the Disability Cultural Audit, and lightning talks from LJMU staff who support disabled researchers:

  • Shulah Jones (APSS Research and Engagement Manager)
  • Mike Hession (Research and Innovation Services)
  • Gordon Hay (UCU Disability Rep)
  • Phil Bakstad (Diversity and Inclusion)

Disabled Researchers and the Ethical Approval Process
February 2025

This online open forum event focused on the LJMU ethics process and experiences of applying for ethical approval for research as a disabled or neurodivergent researcher, including:

  • barriers that disabled and neurodivergent researchers may encounter when applying for ethical approval
  • how the ethics process might be made more accessible

Presentations

We have presented about the project at the ESRC Festival of Social Science event Equality for Who? The Politics and Practices of University Inclusion (October 2024).

Internally, we have presented at:

  • ‘Improving the RIDE (Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity) For Everyone Event’ (January 2024; funded by the British Council and in partnership with universities from Africa)
  • the LJMU Faculty of Society and Culture DEI Good Practices Symposium (February 2025)
  • the APSS Faculty Conference (May 2025)