University of Hertfordshire launches Black Women Research Collective to strengthen research leadership diversity

The Black Women Research Collective (BWRC) - believed to be the first initiative of its kind at a UK higher education institution - brings together Black women staff, including those of mixed or dual heritage, to support academic career progression, strengthen research confidence and address the longstanding underrepresentation of Black women in academia.

Addressing national inequalities in research leadership

Across the UK higher education sector, progress has been slow. Figures show the number of Black women professors rose from 25 in 2014 to 70 in 2024, out of 25,670 professors nationwide. These figures highlight the urgent need for initiatives that promote research leadership diversity and create meaningful pathways for Black women in research leadership.

At Herts, women now account for half of all professors, and the BWRC represents a targeted effort to address the specific underrepresentation of Black women in senior academic roles.

A first-of-its-kind community supporting Black women researchers

Funded by the University’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund, the BWRC aims to create leadership pathways, provide peer learning opportunities and offer a supportive space for sharing lived experiences. The collective will host bimonthly meetings designed to help early career researchers collaborate, grow and build confidence in their research practice.

Dr Saadye Ali, Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing at the University of Hertfordshire, who is leading the initiative, said:

“The Black Women Research Collective is run by and for Black women at the University of Hertfordshire, creating opportunities to increase representation in research leadership. It offers a welcoming, supportive space to connect, share experiences, and build confidence in research while celebrating achievements.”

Strengthening commitment to equity and representation

The launch of the BWRC follows the University’s recent decision to join the 100 Black Women Professors Now programme, a national initiative focused on removing barriers to progression at associate and full professor level. This aligns with wider efforts to increase the number of Black women professors in the UK by 2030.

The BWRC complements this by building an internal community dedicated to peer support, research development and leadership progression - key components in improving equity in academic career progression.

Professor Wendy Wills, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

"The Black Women Research Collective is an initiative for the University, turning recognition of under-representation in research leadership into real action. I’m delighted we can now make progress in understanding and breaking down barriers to support Black women to progress at Herts, advancing our goal of a truly inclusive research culture.”

Learn more about the BWRC.