That’s Me! Project celebrated success in shaping inclusive research futures

On Monday, 8 December, the University of Wolverhampton and Birmingham City University marked the culmination of the That’s Me! Project, a UKRI and Office for Students-funded initiative dedicated to eliminating barriers to postgraduate research study in the West Midlands.

The That’s Me! Celebration Event: Showcasing Inclusive Research and Practice brought together university leaders, researchers, student co-creators, policymakers, and community partners to reflect on the project’s achievements and its lasting contribution to equity in doctoral education.

Over the past four years, the project delivered innovative initiatives to transform access and participation for Global Majority postgraduate researchers. These included inclusive application pathways, redesigned induction and support frameworks, advanced mentoring and leadership development models, and strategies to foster belonging within postgraduate research communities.

The event featured keynote addresses, presentations, and creative outputs showcasing the collaborative work that has reshaped how universities engage with underrepresented groups in research. Attendees also explored the project’s legacy and sustainability, setting the stage for continued progress through the proposed That’s Me! Futures agenda.

Highlights from the Day

• Welcome Address: Principal Investigator and Pro Vice-Chancellor (University of Wolverhampton) opened the event with reflections on embedding equity in postgraduate research.
• Creative Showcase: Co-creators and peer researchers presented Silent Spotlights, celebrating lived experiences.
• Session 1: University of Wolverhampton workstreams shared insights on inclusive applications, induction programmes, and building communities of practice.
• Session 2: Birmingham City University’s Action Research Teams, led by Prof. Kirsten Forkert and Dr Jacqueline Taylor, presented key findings from the project.
• Recognition Ceremony: Certificates were awarded to co-creators, peer researchers, and collaborators.
• Closing Reflections: Project leads from both universities highlighted achievements and outlined the vision for the next phase.

Deinsam D. Ogan (FHEA), Project Manager for That’s Me! said:

“This celebration was more than the conclusion of a project - it was a recognition of the people, partnerships, and purpose that have driven real change. That’s Me! has shown what’s possible when institutions work together to challenge inequity and create new pathways for talent to flourish.”

The event concluded with networking and a documentary screening, reinforcing the commitment to widening participation, fostering belonging, and building inclusive research cultures across UK higher education.