On 4 February 2026, the White Rose Gender Equality College, in partnership with the Black Female Academics’ Network, hosted a day of discussions about intersectionality and how it shows up in the research community.

The event, titled ‘Gender equality and intersectionality in the global research space: Challenges and opportunities’, was hosted by the University of Sheffield, bringing together researchers from across the White Rose University Consortium and other institutions. 

“In the midst of financial pressures and institutional changes, it is difficult to carve out time to reflect on how we support and undertake research and what this means for our colleagues and those involved in the wider research ecosystem. We were guided expertly through this journey by colleagues, encouraging us to probe the intersections between gender, race, career stage, ableism and power” explains Patricia Cowell, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Sheffield.

Key takeaways:

• We are shaped by our identities and our experiences, and of course, these impact how we work. It is important to recognise what we have lived through, what we can do to support colleagues, what we need to do to look after ourselves and maintain our integrity and self-belief.
• Intersectionality is a blessing and adds rich layers and knowledge in our professional lives.
• We can do more within our communities and we should continue to demonstrate and act, in order to move beyond just talking around challenges and issues.

Speakers included: 

Prof Patricia Cowell (School of Allied Health Professions, Pharmacy, Nursing & Midwifery, University of Sheffield)
Prof Lisa-Dionne Morris (School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds)
Dr Paula Burkinshaw (Business School, University of Leeds)
Dr AC Davidson (School of Geography and Planning, University of Sheffield) and Dr Beth Fox (University of Salford)

The success of the workshop underscores a growing commitment within the White Rose Universities to ensure that research environments are built on compassion and practical action. 

Rather than simply discussing more strategy, attendees pledged to meet again to fulfil implementation plans, ensuring the academic landscape becomes more accessible for all. A follow-up date has already been set at the 2026 Black Female Academics’ Network Conference on 19 June.

Image: From left to right (back row): Prof Lisa-Dionne Morris, Dr Mel Knight, Dr Paula Burkinshaw, Dr Tiffany Holloman, Sarah Plumb, Dr AC Davidson, Ajiri Ayokunle, Dr Beth Fox, Dr Kristin Hildenbrand, Dr Pedi Obani; From left to right (front row): Prof Sharron Hinchliff, Prof Patricia Cowell, Dr Stephanie Ejegi-Memeh.