Workshop on Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education for Early Career and Postgraduate Scholars

A BSA Early Career Forum Regional Event

28 July 2025 (9.30am-5.00pm BST)
Room 2.15, Chrystal Macmillan Building (CMB), University of Edinburgh, UK

About the Event

The one-day workshop aims to unite early-career scholars and postgraduate students in sociology to critically examine diversity and inclusion in higher education. It will engage postgraduate and early-career scholars, offering a dynamic collaborative platform to address the pressing challenges of inclusivity, outline actionable steps for progress, foster interdisciplinary discussions, and develop effective strategies for cultivating a more inclusive academic environment. The event features distinguished scholars, including Professor Hugo Gorringe, Sociology and Professor Roger Jeffery, with Professor Jeffery tentatively delivering the keynote address. The workshop is organised and chaired by Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi, in collaboration with faculty members from the University of Edinburgh.

The workshop focuses on deepening participants’ understanding of diversity and inclusion principles and their applications in academic contexts. A key goal is to promote critical awareness by encouraging discussion on diverse identities and intersectional issues within higher education, spanning race, caste, religion, gender, socio-economic status, and disability (Ahmed, 2012; Taylor, 2017). In addition, the event will encourage interdisciplinary approaches, providing a space for scholars from varied fields to collaborate on inclusive research and pedagogy. Another vital objective is to support participants’ career development, equipping them with the tools and insights needed to pursue careers centered on inclusivity and social responsibility in academia.

A career development session on ‘Building an Inclusive Career in Sociology’ will address practical topics from career planning to inclusivity-focused research. The event will conclude with a public engagement roundtable, ‘Bridging Academia and Community’, examining the impact of sociological research on real-world issues and its potential to contribute to social change.

The workshop is expected to benefit participants by providing enhanced professional networks and connections with mentors committed to advancing diversity in sociology. Attendees will gain practical strategies for implementing inclusive practices in research, teaching, and community engagement. Additionally, they will develop career skills that emphasize inclusivity and social responsibility, fostering a meaningful, diversity-oriented path in sociology (Gillborn, 2008).

Workshop Highlights

Keynote: Exploring the role of higher education in promoting social inclusion.
Panel and Interactive Session/Round-Table Discussion: Participants’ research journeys focused on diversity and inclusion and barriers to inclusion in academia.
Networking: Opportunities for networking and building connections related to participants’ research.

In summary, this workshop provides a unique platform for early-career sociologists to engage deeply with diversity and inclusion issues, strengthen their professional networks, and gain visibility. It empowers participants to lead in inclusivity initiatives, contributing to a more equitable and socially responsive academic landscape (Connell, 2007; Burawoy, 2005). For additional information or to discuss collaboration, please contact Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi.

We look forward to your support in making this workshop a significant step toward enhancing diversity and inclusion within the sociological community.

Participants are required to submit a Statement of Purpose (SOP) along with a 200-word expression of interest to Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi by 30 June 2025 for panel/round table discussions. Spaces are limited to 8 in-person and 7 online.

Bursaries

Please note that a limited number of bursaries are available for applicants based in the UK but outside of Edinburgh.

Key Dates

In-person registration closes: 14 July 2025
Online registration closes: 21 July 2025
Event date: 28 July 2025

For any queries or additional information, please contact Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi.

References
Ahmed, S. (2012). ‘On Being Included: Racism and Diversity in Institutional Life’. Duke University Press.
Burawoy, M. (2005). ‘For Public Sociology’. American Sociological Review, 70(1), 4-28.
Connell, R. (2007). ‘Southern Theory: The Global Dynamics of Knowledge in Social Science. New York: Polity Press.