This project, which aims to promote neurodiversity and to support neurodivergent staff and PGRs in having the same high-quality experience at the University of Glasgow has been supported by the Wellcome Trust ISSF Equalities fund (£60,653). Given the lack of published literature in this field and the clearly rising unmet need, an academic as well as practical approach has been taken in order to disseminate learning from this project to as wide an audience as possible. It is hoped that it will lead to significant activity to support future Athena Swan Gold award applications. A principle outcome of this project has been the development of a Neurodiversity Resource Hub that has information and best practice guidance in relation to neurodiversity which will be available on University of Glasgow webpages.

Leigh Abbott was appointed as the research project lead from January 2021, which currently ends on 30 April 2022. Leigh has been responsible for implementing the project work-packages and has raised awareness and support for neurodiversity within the wider University, including the School of Education, where we are represented by CR&DALL core member Professor Margaret Sutherland’s involvement as a Co-I. The original project team comprised Prof Christina Halsey (Institute for Cancer Studies), Prof Karen Oien (Institute for Cancer Studies), Prof Pater Hastie (School of Veterinary Medicine), Prof Margaret Sutherland and Dr Elliot Speath (Academic and Digital Development Service). Leigh has now expanded the project team to include Dr David Simmons - an expert in Autism from the School of Psychology- and has formed productive collaborations with many other academics and professional services staff involved in neurodiversity and Education, Diversity and Inclusion throughout the University.

For more information please follow this link.