Our online training resources are here to support your development as a researcher – wherever you are in your career journey and whenever you choose to engage. Explore a flexible range of self-guided materials designed to strengthen your skills in inclusive research practice and help you navigate the process of writing successful research grant proposals, all at your own pace.
The Toolkit is an interactive, online learning resource offering flexible and accessible support for embedding Equity/Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in research. Developed in partnership with The University of Birmingham, Loughborough University and The University of Nottingham, it’s open to researchers at any career stage and from any institution. Designed for convenience, it helps you confidently integrate EDI into your research design and practice – whenever it suits you.
Through a combination of foundational guidance and scenario-based learning, the Toolkit equips you with the skills to:
Identify key EDI considerations in research planning
Reflect on how to embed EDI into proposals
Improve the quality and impact of EDI statements in grant applications
While the case studies primarily focus on energy and net zero, they also offer valuable insights that can benefit a wide range of other disciplines.
Praise for the Toolkit
We are proud to have partnered with other institutions to create the C-DICE EDI Toolkit, which will make an impactful and long-lasting change. This resource empowers researchers to embed inclusive practices into their work, helping to shape a more equitable and innovative research culture. Professor Ian Jefferson, Deputy Head and Academic EDI Lead, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham
Dr Swathi Mukundan
I used to think EDI was just academic small talk – something for HR, not the lab. But the Toolkit changed everything. It made me stop mid-pipette and ask, ‘Who exactly am I designing this technology for?’ … I realised EDI isn’t about ticking boxes – it’s about doing better science.
My research is now more inclusive, more thoughtful, and ultimately, more impactful.
I research concrete in the lab so at first I thought there was no need for EDI in my work, but then I quickly learned that if you apply to UKRI or other funders, they will ask you how you will embed EDI in your project. So whatever your research area you need to know how to make your project diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all your stakeholders. The C-DICE EDI Toolkit does exactly this. It takes you step-by-step, using real-world examples, to a deeper understanding of how to embed EDI in your projects and proposals. So very useful, for everyone, including concrete researchers …
Dr Lu Ge
Engaging with the Toolkit gave me a clear pathway for my own development as a researcher. The scenarios presented in the toolkit helped me to think beyond my usual technical focus and to ask different kinds of questions: How is research designed? Who is it designed for? The examples made me realise that inclusion is part of every stage of research, from team diversity and data optimisation to the way results are shared with different users.
I recently worked through the Embedding EDI in Research toolkit and was impressed by how clear and practical it is. The balance of examples, guidance, and reflection points makes it easy to see how EDI can be built into proposals and everyday research practice in a meaningful way. As Director of Research in Chemical Engineering, I found it both thought-provoking and useful, and it’s a resource I’ll be encouraging colleagues and students to draw on.
Get started in 3 simple steps
Register your account Sign up with a username and password at University of Birmingham Canvas platform. Please note: you will receive an email from Canvas to set your password.
Complete the modules Work through all 6 modules at your own pace – whenever it suits you.
Earn your badge Finish the assessment to download your micro-credential badge and showcase your achievement.
Discover a range of self-directed e-learning modules designed to support your development as a researcher. These resources share practical guidance, highlight good research practice, and help you build the skills and confidence to grow in your research career.
Letters of support can be a valuable part of grant and fellowship applications – but how much do they really matter? What exactly should they include? And who should be writing and signing them?
This e-learning course offers a clear, practical overview of what letters of support are, why they matter, and how to make yours strong and effective. You’ll learn what to include, who to approach, and how these letters can genuinely strengthen your application.
Creating a budget for research funding is a vital part of applying for grants and fellowships – but what exactly should it cover? What specific rules do you need to follow? And how can you make sure it fully supports your overall application?
This e-learning course guides you through key financial terms and helps you identify the activities and resources to include in your budget. You’ll gain the confidence to plan effectively and align your budget with your research goals.
Research & innovation skills for net zero framework
The framework outlines the high-level transferable skills needed to drive innovation and support net zero initiatives across sectors.
It reflects what we heard directly from employers about the skills researchers should consider developing alongside their core technical expertise. It’s also invaluable support for making a fellowship proposal.
