NBIC has undertaken a sustained programme to strengthen Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), reflecting its strategic priorities and responsibilities as a large, UK-wide research and innovation consortium. BBSRC enhanced this work through an additional £100,000 EDI grant, enabling NBIC to consolidate, scale and formalise activity and embed inclusive practice across governance, operations and delivery. NBIC also held a feedback session with PhD students, Innovation and Research Fellows (IRFs) and other participants to inform its evolving EDI approach. Delivered between October 2025 and March 2026, the project strengthened organisational and governance arrangements, supporting robust structures, clearer accountability and improved assurance while embedding EDI into mainstream decision-making. Key Achievements and Impact • A centre-wide EDI data collection and monitoring framework was established across funding schemes, events, mentoring activities and bursaries. The framework links anonymised demographic and experiential data to specific activities, providing an evidence base to assess participation, outcomes and barriers across the community. • Governance frameworks were strengthened through the implementation of a centre-wide EDI Policy, Code of Conduct and EDI Committee Terms of Reference, developed with input from external EDI specialists. Together, these frameworks define responsibilities, establish standards of behaviour and reporting, and embed EDI within centre governance. Supporting tools, including an Inclusive Events Checklist and Inclusive Language Guide, are now in standard use. • A consortium-wide mentoring programme was launched with strong engagement across career stages and sectors. The programme provides structured cross-institutional, cross-sector and reverse mentoring opportunities, supporting inclusive career development and improved access to professional networks. • Targeted bursaries reduced financial barriers to participation in conferences, training and professional development. Support was provided for Biofilms 11, NBIC technical training modules and external development programmes, including the Minoritised Life Scientists Future Forum. Preparatory work also began on establishing the Biofilms Foundation as an independent charity to support inclusive career development across the biofilms community. • A coordinated programme of inclusive public engagement and widening-participation activities has reached nearly 3,000 participants across diverse geographic and social contexts, including rural and remote communities. Activities challenged stereotypes, raised aspirations and presented science as accessible and relevant, delivered by diverse teams trained in inclusive engagement. This strengthens NBIC’s public benefit, supports responsible research culture, and aligns engagement with EDI and access objectives. • EDI has been further embedded in NBIC’s communications and visibility, ensuring inclusive practice shapes how the centre presents itself internally and externally. The Beyond the Biofilm blog series showcased diverse contributors and career journeys across disciplines, sectors and career stages, increasing visibility without treating EDI as separate or marginal. A “Celebrating Diversity” session within the Biofilms 11 international conference programme provided visible leadership, reinforcing EDI as integral to scientific excellence and innovation culture. 46 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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