Evolving from the STOR-i Womens+ Network, the DiverSTOR-i Network aims to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

In doing so, it hopes to create opportunities for discussion, with the overarching aim of making STOR-i a more diverse and inclusive space. Just one example of this is the bi-monthly coding sessions, where all STOR-i students are welcome to work in small groups to tackle interesting problems, and which help strengthen coding skills in a fun, friendly and supportive setting.

The network has already run several successful events in the first few months of this academic year – including celebrating the International Day of Women in Statistics and Data Science in October, with two excellent talks from current STOR-i students Eleanor D’Arcy and Robyn Goldsmith; and hosting guest speaker and STOR-i alumna Dr Nicola Rennie who spoke about her experience as a woman working in data science in November.

To celebrate the International Day of LGBTQIA+ People in STEM in November, the group encouraged everyone in the CDT to dress in bright colours for the day and fundraised for the LGBT Foundation. It also ran a very successful Movember campaign last month, with several members making a great effort in ‘growing a mo’ and raising £610 for a leading charity in men’s health.

Joint lead for the DiverSTOR-i Network, Carla Pinkney, commented: “It’s been a great start to the 2023/24 academic year for the DiverSTOR-i network. We have some exciting plans for the new term, including a visit from world-leading mathematician Professor Christina Pagel in January.”