Social Science Research Spotlight Highlighting EDI as a Driving Force in Academic Excellence

The Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), in partnership with the Social Sciences Division (SSD), successfully hosted an EDI Research Spotlight Event on Monday, 11 May 2026 at the Manor Road Building in Oxford.

Bringing together more than 50 staff, doctoral students, and colleagues from across the University, the event explored how Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) advances excellence, opportunity, freedom of speech, and pluralism within academia.

The event formed part of SSD’s ongoing EDI Spotlight series, designed to highlight the contribution of social science researchers to scholarship on equality, diversity and inclusion. It reinforced the message that EDI is not only about organisational practice, but also a vital and growing area of academic research.

The first session - Exploring Freedom of Speech, Democracy and Inclusion—examined the intersections between freedom of speech, equality, pluralism and democracy and included presentations from:

• The relationship between free speech and EDI (Stuart White)
• Gender, sexuality and political identity (Aylon Cohen)
• Women’s representation and influence in politics (Verena Fetscher)
• Public discourse, social norms and the implications for free speech (Paul Billingham)

The second session focused on diversity, inclusion, and equality of opportunity within academia. Speakers explored:

• The relationship between EDI and academic merit (Patricia Owens)
• Gender inequality in teaching and citation practices (Humeyra Biricik)
• The concept of epistemic loneliness in research environments (Simple Rajrah)
• Questions of affirmative action and intergenerational justice (Pascal Mowla)

The event created space for open dialogue, critical reflection and interdisciplinary exchange. Attendees engaged actively with speakers, reflecting on how EDI principles can shape research agendas, institutional practices, and academic cultures.

This seminar underscores DPIR and SSD’s shared commitment to advancing inclusive research and fostering a diverse academic community.