Bringing together colleagues, practitioners, and postgraduate researchers from across the sector, the event offered a wonderful space for us all to reflect on collective progress and ongoing challenges we had faced in advancing race equity in doctoral education.
A central theme throughout the day turned out to be the importance of embedding belonging…Not as an abstract ideal, but as something actively – practically – cultivated through institutional practices, peer networks, and recognition of lived experience. Importantly, the sessions foregrounded postgraduate voices, highlighting how culturally responsive support and community-building initiatives have reshaped doctoral journeys.
Particularly insightful were the discussions on sustaining momentum in a political and institutional landscape where EDI efforts are increasingly met with resistance and quiet disengagement. Contributors emphasised the need to move beyond short-term interventions towards approaches that are structurally embedded, resilient, and co-produced with students themselves. Practical, creative, long-term strategies were presented and proposed by all of us, and attending the event with an SBS scholar further underscored the value of such spaces. It provided an opportunity not only for professional development and networking, but also for shared reflection on how programmes like SBS contribute to wider sector change.
Events like YCEDE play a crucial role in connecting initiatives, amplifying voices, and sustaining collective commitment to equity in doctoral education. I hope these events don’t end with this round of funded project.
This event highlighted how culturally responsive support and community-building initiatives have reshaped doctoral journeys.
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