Research Inclusion
We aim to create an inclusive research culture that reflects and supports the diverse communities we serve.
Zine-making workshop: Stories of loneliness and substance use, November 2025
The NIHR Maudsley BRC is committed to creating a research environment where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. Our Research Inclusion work – also referred to on these pages as Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (CEDI) – underpins every aspect of our research culture – from who participates in our studies to how we support and develop our staff and students. We aim to reduce inequality, remove barriers to participation, and ensure that our research genuinely reflects the diverse communities we serve.
Working closely with our partner organisations, we embed inclusive practices across our structures, policies and research programmes. This includes championing equitable access to training and career progression, fostering belonging within our teams, and ensuring our research is shaped by a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences.
Through our strategy, initiatives and partnerships, we continue to drive meaningful change and strengthen our commitment to excellence through inclusivity. Explore this section to learn more about our research inclusion priorities, activities and impact.
Dr Mariana Pinto da Costa is our NIHR Maudsley BRC Champion for Research Inclusion, and was appointed in Spring 2023.
Professor Stephani Hatch is the Vice Dean for Culture, Diversity & Inclusion at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Our BRC themes and core groups also each have a representative.
Research Inclusion Champion
In this section
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy
The strategy sets out the NIHR Maudsley BRC’s 2023–2028 plan to embed equality, diversity and inclusion across its research by reflecting diverse populations, strengthening leadership commitment, and aligning with partner organisations’ EDI priorities.
Culture, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Impact Award
The CEDI Impact Award honours NIHR Maudsley BRC researchers whose work demonstrably advances equality, diversity and inclusion through real-world impact in research, policy, practice or community engagement.
Research Inclusion theme representatives
Our themes have a lead researcher for Research Inclusion to champion local initiatives.
Collecting diversity data in mental health research - training video
In this presentation, we discuss the importance of collecting and reporting diversity data in mental health research and provide practical guidance in how to do this.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at our partners
Read more about EDI at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and the NIHR.