In 2015, Imperial commissioned Drs Alison Phipps and Liz McDonnell to conduct research on the College’s organisational culture, and to recommend how to address problematic aspects, especially in relation to gender. This was catalysed by issues related to sexism in sport, but it was agreed that gender would not be looked at in isolation and the intersections with other issues (such as race, class, disability and sexual orientation) would be key. 

The project is entering its final phase, which will be an Action Inquiry process. Through this members of the College will come together to discuss issues raised in the project, and think about how to address them. 

Students are invited to volunteer to participate in this process: this will involve four ‘sets’ of ten people, each of which will meet four times for two hours during June and July. These participants will become ‘change agents’, working to improve aspects of Imperial’s culture that fall short of our high standards. They will explore how the institutional culture can more fully reflect Imperial’s values of diversity and mutual respect.

Students who are interested in taking part in the Action Inquiry should contact Dr Liz McDonnell or submit your college email address via the form below. Students who identify as being from under-represented and/or minority and /or marginalised groups are particularly encouraged to participate. This includes, but is not restricted to, (self-identified) women and non-binary people, BAME people, international students, disabled people, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people who consider themselves to be working class, and those who feel their age (younger or older) or religious background makes a difference to their experience of studying at Imperial.