WATCH: “So everyone can RISE at Manchester.”
11 Feb 2026
Sayema Rahman Khan tells Duncan Ivison about the University’s first career and professional development programme for global majority researchers, funded by our Enhancing Research Culture project.
RISE @ Manchester is not just a great name – as Duncan Ivison noted when he met project lead, Dr Sayema Rahman Khan – it’s a tailored and sustainable in-house programme that will enhance the career development of global majority researchers with a series of direct actions.
Developed by Sayema and Jamal Kinsella, Dr Antoinette McKane, Dr Amy Smith, James Lawrence, and Dr Anne-Marie Sowerbutts from the Researcher Development team, it is one of seven projects supported by the University’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund.
RISE – which stands for Researcher Inclusion and Support for Equity – will:
- improve access to, and satisfaction with, career development provision for global majority researchers;
- deliver targeted training for their PIs;
- provide advocacy-based sponsorship;
- enable diverse representation in research and support equitable research culture.
Sayema explains: “Currently we see very little ethnic diversity in senior roles at the University, so talent is lost as we go up the career ladder.
“RISE @ Manchester is an answer to that challenge.”
Running from February to July 2026, the programme offers a dynamic blend of co-created workshops, 1-2-1 coaching, peer learning, and senior sponsorship.
It seeks to amplify talent, disrupt structural barriers, and create space for progression. It recognises the wealth of expertise and potential within Global Majority staff and aims to foster environments where colleagues can thrive and take ownership of their career journeys. Managers and sponsors will also be supported to embed inclusive practices that benefit the wider research culture.
RISE@Manchester programme delivery has now commenced for the shortlisted cohort of 15 Global Majority researchers (RISE15). The programme will run through to August, concluding with a Celebration and Impact event in September. Ongoing feedback and evaluation are embedded throughout to ensure the programme meets its aims and supports sustainable delivery for future iterations.
As Sayema puts it: “We are offering the comprehensive, equitable opportunities – so everyone can RISE at Manchester”
Get involved
Colleagues who are interested in finding out more about the support available, or how to support others, can visit:
Further information
This project was one of seven funded following the launch of the University’s Research Culture and Environment framework.
The University’s research culture is defined as the way that we collaborate, communicate, and interact with each other; the behaviours, attitudes, and values that shape how our research is developed, conducted, and used; and the mechanisms by which we support research and recognise and reward that work. The funded projects align to one of the University’s four research culture themes:
- Supporting diverse and rewarding careers;
- Enabling open and impactful research;
- Upholding the highest levels of responsible and ethical research;
- Building collaboration and interdisciplinarity.
Associate Vice-President for Research, Professor Melissa Westwood said: “The applications received in response to this call showed a real breadth and diversity of ideas to help shape our research culture and demonstrated the passion and innovation of colleagues across our University.
“The seven funded projects address a range of challenges, and we are excited to see the impact they will have in such important areas of our research culture.”
For more information and support, visit: