A newsletter header for “IGNITE Network+ Monthly News Digest, February 2026” featuring an illustrated banner of diverse people standing behind a globe with icons representing energy technologies above them. The IGNITE Network+ logo appears in the top right. Below the banner, text introduces highlights from the energy research community, including event highlights, publications, the IGNITE Champions network, and community updates.
A large conference room with high ceilings and purple accent lighting is filled with attendees seated at round tables during the “EDI in Energy Research: From Theory to Practice” event. Everyone is facing a presenter at the front of the room. Two large projection screens display the same slide with text and graphics. The presenter sits at a table with a microphone, while attendees take notes on laptops and paper. The room features tall arched windows, wooden floors, and a ceiling‑mounted projector.
Infographic titled “UK Energy Sector EDI Interventions: A Scoping Survey,” branded with the IGNITE Network+ and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council logos. The infographic summarizes current Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices, challenges, and opportunities in the UK energy workforce. It reports that 180 respondents participated, with demographic details shown. A section titled “Voices from the Sector” includes short quotes about EDI being treated as optional, valued but inconsistent, or reduced when budgets tighten. The “State of EDI” section shows statistics including 68% reporting that leadership treats EDI strategies as important, 61% saying the same for policies and guidance, 41% regularly reviewing data, and 23% having fully staffed EDI functions. A circular chart highlights priority dimensions of diversity, mainly gender and ethnicity. “Enablers of Effective EDI Interventions” lists leadership commitment, co‑designed engagement, adequate resourcing, and data‑driven feedback. A bar chart in the “Barriers to Progress” section shows leadership buy‑in and resourcing as the biggest obstacles. “Future Direction/Key Takeaways” highlights four themes: embedding EDI strategically; resourcing and leadership; intersectional and collaborative practice; and improving data without over‑surveying. A small illustration at the bottom shows a person unlocking a door, representing future progress.
A project summary report cover titled “Navigating EDI Complexity: Addressing Challenges in Energy Research Sector,” branded with the UKRI EPSRC and IGNITE Network+ logos. The title sits on a purple banner over a background of interlocking puzzle pieces. Below, the report lists the principal investigator and co‑investigators from Cranfield University. The opening of the executive summary is shown, explaining that the project examines gaps between EDI commitments and implementation in the energy sector using mixed‑methods research.
Latest news digest, Feb 2026 includes:
EDI in Energy Research event, webinar insights on UK energy‑sector EDI interventions, new publications, a call to join the IGNITE Champions Network, and community updates.
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