Government plans to address bureaucracy fall short on diversity issues, say critics

Proposals to cut bureaucracy win R&D sector’s approval, but equality advocates voice concern

The government’s response to a major review of bureaucracy in R&D, while generally welcomed, has come under fire for its stance on equality, diversity and inclusion.

Last week the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology published its response to a government-commissioned review of research bureaucracy. The review was led by University of Birmingham vice-chancellor Adam Tickell, who said it identified “huge opportunities” when it was published in 2022.