Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing
Welcome to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) and Wellbeing in the Department of Engineering.
Our department is home to a diverse community of students, researchers, professional services colleagues and academic staff from across the world. We believe that the best engineering happens when people with different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds work together in an environment where everyone feels respected, supported and able to thrive.
This page introduces our EDI and Wellbeing activities, initiatives and resources, and provides opportunities to get involved as we continue building an inclusive and welcoming engineering community.

Meet our EDI & Wellbeing Committee
The EDI & Wellbeing Committee works with staff and students across the department to help make Engineering a place where everyone feels they belong. We take action through initiatives, events and collaboration to promote inclusion, support wellbeing and create a culture where every voice is heard.
Outreach
Women in Engineering Society (WES Durham)
Academic Staff Support
Research Staff Support
Access and Widening Participation
Decolonising the Curriculum
Our Priorities and Current Initiatives
Our EDI & Wellbeing work is guided by a shared commitment to create an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment for all members of our staff and students.
We focus on five key priorities:
🤝 Inclusive Community
Creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels respected, valued and able to contribute.
🌱 Wellbeing
Supporting the health, wellbeing and work-life balance of our students and staff.
🎓 Education & Research
Embedding EDI into our teaching, learning and research culture.
🚀 Professional Development
Supporting career development through mentoring, leadership opportunities and inclusive progression.
🌍 Outreach & Engagement
Working with schools, communities and partners to inspire the next generation of engineers.
Athena Swan
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
EDI Fund
EDI Committee Member Contacts
| Name | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Nur Sarma | Director of EDI & Wellbeing | nur.sarma@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Charlotte Quarless | Learning and Teaching Manager | charlotte.m.quarless@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Steve Robertson | Senior Technical Manager | steven.robertson@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Qian Zhang | Women in Engineering Society Academic Lead | qian.zhang2@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Ciara Keating |
Access and Widening Participation Lead Academic Staff Support Lead |
ciara.keating@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Alessandro Borghi | Engineering Outreach Team | alessandro.borghi@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Alexandros Petalas | Research Staff Support Lead | alexandros.petalas@durham.ac.uk |
| Dr Zhuangkun Wei | Decolonising the Curriculum Lead | zhuangkun.wei@durham.ac.uk |
| Emma Worden | Department Manager | eng.dm@durham.ac.uk |
