The Broken Pipeline report

The report, stemming from a closed roundtable discussion held in February 2019, examines the correlation between the BAME awarding gap at the undergraduate level and the challenges Black students face in securing council-funded postgraduate research positions. By delving into systemic issues, the report uncovers the pervasive influence of inequality and structural racism across the higher education sector, significantly impeding access to funding and consequently limiting the representation of Black PhD students and academics in the UK.

A disconcerting revelation within the report underscores the severity of the issue – over a three-year period, merely 1.2% of the 19,868 studentships awarded by all UKRI research councils went to Black or Black Mixed students, with just 30 of those being from a Black Caribbean background.

The impact of 'The Broken Pipeline' report has been profound, sparking critical discussions and prompting concrete action at various levels. It has not only raised awareness about the lack of representation in PGR but has also fueled policy reform on a national scale. Notably, universities are now confidently employing positive action legislation to ring-fence funding for Black PhD students, a pivotal step towards rectifying historic imbalances.

On a broader scale, the report has influenced national policy, prompting UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to enact measures addressing structural racism in recruitment and selection processes. The commitment of £8 million by Research England and UKRI to widen participation for UK Black and Asian researchers stands as a testament to the far-reaching impact of our report. Through 'The Broken Pipeline,' Leading Routes has not only identified systemic issues but has actively contributed to reshaping policies and securing resources that pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in academia.