海角直播

New research role to enhance equality and diversity

A 海角直播 academic and internationally renowned artist has been selected to join a prestigious new national body which will help to shape equality, diversity and inclusion within research.

Simon McKeown, a Reader in Post Production and Animation in the University鈥檚 School of Computing, Media & the Arts, is one of just 11 members appointed to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) External Advisory Group. The group will work with UKRI to identify and prioritise areas to make the most progress on equality, diversity and inclusion and improve outcomes in this area.

Simon鈥檚 work considers perceptions of disability and he has exhibited all over the world at the likes of the Smithsonian International in America and The DOX Centre for Contemporary Art in Prague.

His Motion Disabled Unlimited project, a stunning digital installation which uses animation to show how disabled athletes move, was shown as part of the London 2012 Paralympics. He recently appeared on BBC Four as part of a documentary series examining the forgotten history of the NHS and is working on a new Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) exhibition exploring the hidden and neglected heritage of British invalid carriages.

As part of the new External Advisory Group, he joins an acclaimed group of experts from institutions including Imperial College London, Queen鈥檚 University Belfast and the University of Edinburgh.

Commenting on his new role, Simon said: 'It is an honour to be part of this group which will make a significant, positive contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion across a broad range of research activity.

'海角直播 is extremely well-known as a leading university for digital innovation and I am looking forward to bringing some of that expertise to help inform and inspire this new External Advisory Group.'

Professor Jennifer Rubin, UKRI Executive Champion for equality, diversity and inclusion and Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), said: 'UKRI is committed to developing and sustaining the culture and conditions for students, researchers, practitioners and research and innovation staff to thrive.

'The membership of the External Advisory Group spans a range of sectors and career stages, and its collective experience and expertise will be invaluable in shaping UKRI鈥檚 development of an ambitious long-term strategy for equality, diversity and inclusion.'

Professor Sir Mark Walport, Chief Executive of UKRI, which also oversees the UK鈥檚 research budget, added: 'I welcome the appointment of the External Advisory Group for equality, diversity and inclusion. 'This is important for UKRI and the members will help us to identify and prioritise areas where UKRI can make the most progress, and work with us to ensure that we improve outcomes.'

• research
• equality and diversity