Academics at the ñ have compiled a detailed guide encouraging organisations across the UK to follow their lead in fostering increased opportunities for neurodiverse and disabled engineering students.
A track record of success
Staff from the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and the ñ Institute of Education have been working together since 2022 on a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing young peopleñޙs interest in engineering.
Those projects were conceived with around 21% of ñ students in the three engineering subjects registered disabled, and evidence suggesting a large proportion of these students are mature and from a lower economic background, while there is an attainment gap of ~7%.
In partnership with EqualEngineers,and funded by Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng) as part of its Diversity Impact Programme, the project team ñޓ led by Associate Professor of Multimedia Communication and Intelligent Control,
Dr Asiya Khan , and Professor of Inclusive Education
Professor Suanne Gibson ñޓ delivered summer schools for Year 10 and post-16 pupils across ñ.
They also worked with students from the University to design and develop a range of activities, including micro-internships and bespoke mentoring schemes for students who are neurodivergent and/or have disabilities, alongside a series of guest lectures and webcasts by EqualEngineers.
In 2024, those behind the project created a Diversity Toolkit, providing guidance for teaching staff to incorporate diversity into their practice and, crucially, to ensure that students feel supported to pursue a career in the sector.
Dr Asiya Khan
Professor Suanne Gibson.png)
