Current projects

Running from July 2025 to March 2026, our first phase will shape the blueprint for a national programme opening up environmental science careers to more people of colour. Through hands-on fieldwork and open dialogue, we will explore what works to attract and support students of colour, and actively identify the barriers they encounter.

This work begins with in-depth engagement with students, followed by targeted work with university and organisational staff to capture their perspectives. Together, these insights will form a robust evidence base for for future projects. By collaborating with universities, research organisations, and community groups, we are building a model for equity in citizen science and environmental research that can be replicated and scaled nationwide.
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How it works

Purpose

Access

Increasing access to environmental science opportunities for people of colour

Barriers

Identifying the barriers students face in pursuing these careers

Inclusion

Embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into citizen science practice

Co-design

Co-designing activities with students to ensure relevance and impact

Engagement

Testing different formats of engagement to identify best practice

Key Dates

31 July 2025
Applications for Activity Leads close
18 August 2025
Specialist Fieldwork Leads selected
4 September 2025
Specialist Fieldwork Leads confirmed
28 September 2025
Citizen Science days confirmed
1 October 2025
Applications open (Student Engagement Panel)
15 October 2025
Applications close (Student Engagement Panel)
17 October 2025
Successful applicants notified
20 October 2025
Welcome and briefing meeting

Online (1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)

21 October 2025
Option 1: Citizen Science Day

BioBlitz at Roundhay Park, Leeds

22 October 2025
Option 2: Citizen Science Day

Plantlife at Three Hagges Woodmeadow Nature Reserve, York

27 October 2025
Option A: Relfection workshop

Online (1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)

28 October 2025
Option B: Reflection workshop

Online (1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)

29 October 2025
Option C: Citizen Science Day

British Trust for Ornithology session at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield

30 October 2025
Option D: Reflection workshop

Online (1.5 - 2 hours, time TBC)

10 December 2025
Optional follow-up meeting

(online, invitation-only, offered to candidates who made exceptional contributions earlier in the programme. Additional payment provided.)

December 2025
Data analysis
January 2026
Drafting report
February 2026
Preparation for dissemination
March 2026
Report produced and shared

Next Steps

In March 2026, as Phase 1 concludes, we will publish a public report sharing our findings and recommendations, highlighting both the barriers and opportunities uncovered through our work with students and staff.

These insights will directly inform our major funding application in January 2026, which aims to scale CAREERS into a national programme.  
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Note: We use the terms People of Colour and Students of Colour respectfully, while recognising the limitations and complexities of these terms. We value the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and celebrating the cultural and ethnic identities of individuals within the broad categories they describe.