The University’s Doctoral College hosted ‘LGBT+ Research at Loughborough’ earlier this month and the showcase has been hailed a huge success.

The three-hour-long event highlighted the work being carried out by a range of researchers and academics and featured a series of presentations.

Speakers at the event included  Professor Elizabeth Peel, Dr Catherine Armstrong, Dr Beth Jones, Dr Gemma Witcomb, Dr Sarah Parker, Dr Sarah Barnard, Sian Lewis and Professor Andrew Dainty.

In addition, Doctoral Researchers from De Montfort University and the University of Nottingham presented their work as did Professor Niko Besnier, a visiting academic from the University of Amsterdam.

The talks explored topics such as transgender in sport, LGBT+ in construction, and the experiences of LGBT+ asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.

It also gave attendees the chance to ask questions, network with others and learn about the University’s LGBT+ Staff Group and Loughborough Students’ Union’s LGBT+ Association. 

Event organiser Dr Katryna Kalawsky, of the Doctoral College, said: “This new and exciting multi-disciplinary event showcased some of the inspiring work conducted by a wide range of our researchers and academics.

“It also celebrated diversity and promoted equality and inclusion; something which is of utmost importance to Loughborough.

“Attendance and engagement from staff and students across the University was staggering and there was certainly a real-buzz of interest during and following the event.

“We’ve had amazing feedback; one attendee said it gave them a greater insight into LGBT+ matters, and another said it’s prompted them to think about undertaking research on LGBT+ issues which is just fantastic.”

‘LGBT+ Research at Loughborough’ was attended by a wide range of students and staff as well as members of the University’s Senior Management team.

Commenting on the day, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Enterprise Professor Tracy Bhamra said: “The LGBT+ research event enabled colleagues to share their research and ideas to a wide audience.

“Feedback received from attendees clearly showed that the event provided an opportunity for them to make connections and broaden their LGBT+ community #lborofamily.  

“The event also enabled people to think about the broader LGBT+ issues, to understand that everyone feels supported, comfortable and safe in being themselves.

“I am sure our staff and student groups across the University will continue to build connections so that LGBT+ people are able to share and be part of a diverse and positive community.”

Staff and students can view presentations and recordings from the day on LEARN.