Our Research
Over the years, extensive research—much of it led by Black academics—has deepened our understanding of the educational experiences of Black scholars. Building on this body of work, we continue to explore the unique challenges and opportunities within academia for Black students, academics and professionals. Our research informs the development of our programmes and consultancy services, ensuring they are responsive to the needs of our community. By actively engaging with and expanding upon this knowledge, we aim to create lasting change and provide the support necessary for Black scholars to thrive in higher education and research.
Our groundbreaking report, 'The Broken Pipeline: Barriers to Black PhD Students Accessing Research Council Funding,' has catalysed transformative changes within the higher education landscape. Published in 2019, the report sheds light on the entrenched inequalities and biases that disproportionately disadvantage Black students, hindering their access to crucial funding for advanced studies.
Our new research in partnership with the Bartlett Development Planning Unit at UCL, 'Feeding the Research and Innovation Pipeline: COVID-19 and Closing the Awarding Gap', challenges the assumption that closing the awarding gap alone improves career opportunities for Black graduates. The report calls for action beyond numerical targets, urging higher education institutions to dismantle barriers in research and innovation, expand opportunities for non-Russell Group graduates, and invest in racial equity and mental health support.