The student-led network, DiverSTOR-i, aims to hold events and sessions in which members can connect with each other, share experiences, and learn from other people. In addition to its fortnightly coding sessions, the network has held two events in early 2025 and been involved in another.

STOR-i alumnus and Data Scientist Paul Sharkey visited Lancaster in January and generously gave a presentation titled “Queer Data” for DiverSTOR-i members. Discussing a range of real-world scenarios in which AI has negatively impacted minority communities, as well as how biases are introduced through data collection and the impacts this can have on the LGBTQ+ community, Paul's talk initiated a conversation about people’s experiences of data biases within the community and generated ideas of what can be done to minimise these.

In early March, DiverSTOR-i organised an event celebrating International Women’s Day. STOR-i Deputy Director Rachel McCrea gave a presentation about her career from both an outward and inward perspective, and how being a woman has impacted her career. Following this, attendees took part in a discussion about “Women+ Who Inspire Me”, where students discussed role models including former Slovakian President Zuzana Čaputová and Mathematician Gladys West. This led to group conversations about under-representation and biases against minority gender people in STEM and how can we combat it.

STOR-i student Joe Rutherford, one of DiverSTOR-i’s joint leads, represented the network the following week at an event titled “Data for All”. Organised by the Lancaster University Data Science Institute (DSI), this event had the aim of bringing members of DSI together to discuss a range of topics including how data science can be more accessible for everyone. Joe was one of four panellists in this event hosted by Sally Keith (LEC), in which he explained the aims of DiverSTOR-i and its events. Several people at the panel discussion, noting the success of the DiverSTOR-i network, speculated how similar networks could work across different departments in the university.

With the success of the DiverSTOR-i events, the continued interest and support of STOR-i students, and the wider university acknowledging its achievements, DiverSTOR-i will endeavour to continue hosting and organising events throughout the academic year to enable its members to learn and engage more in EDI within STEM.