GW4 Connect is a suite of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) programmes which will bring together postgraduate researchers from diverse backgrounds to form networks of support for marginalized and underrepresented communities in higher education.
What is GW4 Connect?
Developed by GW4 Alliance, it will bring together researchers from the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter to meet, share, support and learn from each other, building partnerships that you can take forward beyond the programme.
In 2023, GW4 Connect will offer:
- An 11-month peer-to-peer mentorship programme for 30 postgraduate researchers of colour [1] (with wrap-around support), or
- A 10-month facilitated, group coaching programme for 12 postgraduate researchers with parental responsibilities.
Both programmes will offer participants a chance to work with expert facilitators and coaches, alongside their peers, to create a safe space for honest, free conversations outside of institutional structures.
[1] We recognise that ‘people of colour’ is a term that does not resonate with all, however, currently there is no universally recognised broad terminology that describes those who face the brunt of racism and discrimination. We also recognise that UK postgraduate research works within an international context with alomst 30% of postgraduate researchers coming from non-EU countries. Because of this, we have chosen a variation of ‘people of colour’ that specifically relates to the intention and breadth of this programme.