Read this short thread which touches on EDI implications of requiring universities to limit number of applications (“demand management”) and use of AI to review applications.
EDI Caucus
Distributed peer review ‘good but no holy grail’, Dsit official says.
Dsit-UKRI metascience unit also plans survey of how and why researchers use AI. #ARMA2026
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
'Speaking this week at an event held by the Foundation for Science and Technology, Ian Chapman...was asked by former Conservative minister for universities and research, David Willetts, about a “nightmare scenario” for UKRI, where research grant applications are mass-produced with AI tools.' 1/4
When we talk about equality, diversity & inclusion... we're not just talking about race and gender.
We're also talking about UK geographical diversity. We're talking more than half of research funding going to 24 unis.
"Large, well-resourced institutions can be read as a signal of quality."EDICa
🧵
UNEQUAL ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND SUPPORT SHAPES HOW APPLICATIONS ARE READ
‘If you don’t have the support to write a decent proposal, you’re not going to be able to manage the project if you win it. I think it’s an implicit assumption’ (Ben)
3/5
PRESTIGE EFFECTS CAN PERSIST DESPITE EFFORTS TO AVOID BIAS
‘You go through a process where you are trying very hard to ensure that there’s no bias…you still have the usual suspects at the top.’ (Frida)
5/5
IN BORDERLINE CASES, REPUTATION CAN TIP THE DISCUSSION
When there's a borderline application and the respected institution hasn't made a good application, some reviews may say "we know that centre and they've done good work before... don't worry about that."
4/5
AFFILIATION CARRIES ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT CREDIBILITY AND CAPACITY
‘People make a lot of assumptions. We’re a very class-ridden society in the UK about worth being in the Russell Group and lack of worth being elsewhere.’ (Susan)
2/5
Arma 2026: Dsit-UKRI metascience unit also plans survey of how and why researchers use AI
"The conference offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas with international scholars, receive insightful feedback, and contribute to important discussions on the implications of EDI for fairness and inclusion. A truly rewarding and enriching experience." -Siddhartha
