Last week, MRS Unlimited launched with a series of exciting events aiming to educate and share insights into how disability can be truly represented within, and embraced by, the research sector.

The team at Unlimited were truly touched by the depth and richness of the content of the events and the passion of the presenters.

Recordings of all five events are now free-to-view in the MRS video library

Joint Chair Steven Lacey, who is a researcher with a disability, said: “These amazing events are the first part of a movement to drive change, one which I hope will ensure that disability is no longer an afterthought but, instead, becomes forethought.”

The festival of events tackled some stimulating and thought-provoking subjects including:

  • Powerful case studies of how forward-thinking brands ensure that innovation is designed to be truly representative , utilising the power of research and showing how co-creation can really drive change
  • Exploring how representation within media and advertising needs to improve, the stereotypes that we need to bring down and tips on how to include disabled people in a truly representative manner
  • How we ensure that we can recruit and maintain inclusive talent. This session explored the barriers to recruitment and how, most importantly, we can drive change and ensure that we have a pool of truly representative researchers within the sector
  • Guidance from leaders on how the research sector needs to be braver to ensure that people who have not typically been visible are now brought into the spotlight, listened to, developed and supported

The great feedback received following the events shows that there is a strong appetite to drive change, as Vanella Jackson co-chair of Unlimited says, “It is clear that our sector has a wonderful opportunity to take the lead on championing ‘barrier-free’ disability inclusion.”

“Our work needs to truly represent everyone in society and make sure every voice gets heard. There is much to do here. We are also keen to use this to help change the image and understanding of disability within society. Our organisations also have an opportunity to create world class, inclusive environments and cultures, ones that ensure everyone feels included.”

“The Unlimited gang are ambitious. We are looking to create real change. And critically, we are focussed on providing tangible, practical things people can do, to ensure that all those with disabilities have real opportunities, within the research sector and beyond. Exciting times.”

View recordings of all five events in the Unlimited Festival here.

Sign up to the MRS Unlimited mailing list to hear about future activities here.

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