Celebrating one year of Wellcome funded I-REACCH
On Wednesday 9 April 2025, we marked one year of the Wellcome I-REACCH project (Inclusive Research Environment Achieved through Culture Change) with an event that brought together colleagues from across the University to reflect on our progress and look ahead.
The event was an opportunity to share what we’ve achieved so far, hear from those involved, and explore how we continue to drive change in research culture.
To kick off, we shared some early insights into the progress we’ve been making in our five workstreams.
This included our recent survey on research culture. The responses we received were thoughtful and insightful, providing valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in our research environment. A full analysis is now underway and, to track change over time, we will run a similar survey next year.
One of the highlights was hearing directly from members of the Mirror Leadership Team, who shared their experiences of challenging assumptions and shaping the project’s direction. Their perspectives reinforced why Wellcome I-REACCH exists – to create a more inclusive and supportive research environment through genuine collaboration.
The event also provided a chance to showcase the first round of our research culture improvement funding scheme.
We received an incredible 48 applications, demonstrating just how much enthusiasm and commitment there is to improving research culture across the University. Following a rigorous selection process with our Mirror Leadership Team, we have been able to fund 15 projects, allocating a total of just under £25,000 (between £240 and £2,500 per project) to support initiatives aimed at making research more inclusive, fair, and sustainable. For those who weren’t successful this time or who have new ideas, there will be another opportunity to apply when we open our next funding call in late summer or early autumn. We’re excited to see the impact of the funded projects over the coming months and to continue supporting grassroots initiatives that align with I-REACCH’s aims. We’ll share more updates on the funded projects as they take shape.
In addition, Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nishan Canagarajah gave a talk, placing I-REACCH within the wider research culture context, and highlighting the importance of our work in fostering an inclusive research culture.
After the Q&A, there was time for informal networking over lunch, where attendees took part in interactive activities and discussions. This provided a great opportunity to continue conversations sparked during the event, exchange ideas, and build connections across the research community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the celebration event – in person or online – contributed to discussions through workshops or interviews, completed our survey, or submitted a funding application.
Your engagement is what makes this project work. If you have ideas or want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you: opportunities to join our workshops or to take part in an interview are available on our website.
Email: ireacch@leicester.ac.uk