Synergy Expert Meeting
Implementing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Health Psychology Research
Meeting Description:
The 2026 Synergy Expert Meeting will explore how Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles are implemented across the health psychology research process. EDI in research refers to the intentional inclusion of diverse perspectives, populations and experiences at every stage of the research process – from conception to dissemination – including research design, participant recruitment, data collection and analysis, and dissemination.
There is a growing recognition of the critical role that EDI plays in shaping robust and meaningful research outcomes, particularly in health psychology. However, inequalities and biases persist in research practices, hindering the advancement of knowledge. As funding bodies are calling for meaningful EDI implementation in grant applications, there is an urgent need to embed these principles across research methods and practices. This meeting offers a timely opportunity to reflect on how EDI is currently implemented and provides a collaborative space for knowledge exchange across European contexts.
The meeting will culminate in the development of a practical EDI guidance document for health psychologists, informed by attendees’ contributions and case studies.
This meeting is open to health psychologists at all career stages – PhD students, early-career researchers, senior academics and practitioners – whether you are already implementing EDI in your research or just beginning to explore these concepts. If you are committed to equality, inclusive practices and representation in research, this meeting is for you.
Specific Objectives:
This meeting will provide a collaborative space to:
Examine current EDI practice across health psychology research contexts.
Identify barriers and opportunities for more consistent implementation.
Share case studies and examples of best practice around EDI.
Co-develop a practical EDI guidance document for health psychologists, grounded in real-world examples.
Facilitators:
Joanna Semlyen is Professor of Psychology and Equality at the University of East Anglia. She is PI for the MRC IAA funded Grant: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion inTo research and innovation (EDIT) and Academic Lead for the Wellcome Trust funded Institutional Fund for Research Culture Grant: Increasing Diversity and Equality of Access (IDEA).
Leanne Tyson is a Research Associate on the MRC IAA funded EDIT project and the Wellcome Trust funded IDEA project at the University of East Anglia.
Zoe Vaill is a Senior Research Associate on the Wellcome Trust funded IDEA project at the University of East Anglia.
30 – 31 August 2026
Cyprus
Meeting Fee: €300