See below for a snapshot of the activity supporting “SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities”

Research and Innovation

Structural Racism in Cancer Trials 

Researchers from Harvard University and Queen Mary University of London have proposed policy changes in cancer care to take account of an overlooked source of structural racism. 

Led by Dr Stephen Hibbs from the Wolfson Institute of Population Health, the joint research highlights an overlooked source of discrimination in clinical trials and cancer treatment guidelines. The eligibility criteria for clinical cancer treatment trials is based on ‘absolute neutrophil counts’ which leads to an exclusion of people with a certain phenotype, a phenotype that is predominantly found in African and Middle Eastern people. Those with this phenotype also face increased risks of treatment delays, dose reductions or therapy discontinuations. 

 Hibbs and his co-authors propose strategies for addressing the discriminatory practices including eliminating the use of ANC-based criteria when clinically unnecessary. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Hibbs’ recommendations could fundamentally disrupt structural racism in healthcare.  

Centre for Research in Equality and Diversity (CRED) 

The Centre for Research in Equality and Diversity (CRED) at Queen Mary, University of London, was established in 2005 and is a prominent international research centre at the leading edge of equality and diversity  

CRED is committed to critical scholarship in researching equality and diversity and seeks to be guided by principles of social justice and inclusivity. In the contemporary political and economic context, research on equality, inequalities and diversity is vital to advance theoretical understanding and to appraise the impact of contemporary public policies internationally and nationally, and both at the level of the organization and the individual. Our work questions taken-for-granted ideas and solutions in the equality, diversity and inclusion space and sheds light on neglected aspects of equality, as well as persistent inequalities. Recent impactful work includes research on gender and ethnicity on corporate boards and in leadership, contributing to UK government policy on addressing gender and ethnic under-representation on boards (Hampton-Alexander and Parker Reviews)  

Education

Inclusive Curriculum and Educational Practice 

Queen Mary’s Inclusive Curriculum framework guides teaching and assessment design to ensure all students—regardless of background, gender or identity—can thrive. The framework emphasises student–staff collaboration, diverse voices and global perspectives within modules, and pedagogic practices that remove barriers and promote belonging. Through inclusive advising, mentoring and curricular design that reflects multiple identities, QMUL builds a learning environment where gender equality and broader equity are embedded into the academic experience. 

Access and Participation Plan 

Queen Mary is a sector leader in attracting students from groups typically under-represented in research-intensive universities. Of our domestic undergraduate students, 94% are from state schools, 73% are BAME, and 45% are first into higher education. We have the best record of all the Russell Group universities in England for recruiting undergraduate students from state schools and from lower-income families. In 2021, a Sutton Trust report named us as the best university for social mobility in the country. 

Our Access and Participation Plan outlines our approach to improve the equality of opportunities available for underrepresented groups to access, succeed in, and progress from higher education. The Plan includes a full assessment of our performance, an overview of the measures in place and the targets we have set for improvement. Our  2020-2025 Report and 2025-2029 Report show that 30% of Queen Mary undergraduate home students come from households earning less than 15,000, 93% were from state schools and 22% were eligible for Free School Meals. For local access, over 50% of our home undergraduate students are from within 15km of campus, with 27% coming from East London specifically.  

Operations

Equality and Diversity Steering Group (EDISG) 

The Equality and Diversity Steering Group (EDISG) sits at the centre of Queen Mary’s EDI governance, overseeing progress against equality objectives and ensuring accountability across all faculties and departments. It monitors policy implementation, advises on inclusive practice, and aligns institutional work with the university’s Our Values in Action framework. Working with local EDI groups, it guides strategy and supports the development of equitable policies and processes. 

Anti-Discriminatory Admissions Measures 

Queen Mary is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for all applicants. Queen Mary’s Admissions Policies and Procedures are built on fairness, transparency and equality of opportunity. All applicants are considered on merit, with decisions made free from bias or discrimination at every stage. Our procedures ensure consistent application of policy, including clear routes for appeals and complaints without fear of adverse treatment. We also use contextual data to recognise individual potential and to support equitable access, ensuring our operational framework actively upholds inclusion and diversity across the admissions process. 

Engagement

Access to Queen Mary

Access to Queen Mary is an 18-month programme supporting students from under-represented backgrounds through tailored academic and pastoral support, including mentoring, skills development, and transition guidance, alongside eligibility for a contextual offer. By recognising intersecting barriers such as disability, care experience, and socio-economic disadvantage, it works with schools and communities to create fairer pathways into higher education. 

Advancing Access 

In partnership with Advancing Access, a national collaboration of 24 universities, we support schools and colleges with CPD for teachers and advisers, with the aim of aiding progression to selective universities, particularly those from under-represented groups. Furthermore, Queen Mary is a member of the Advancing Access Steering Group, helping to inform the future direction of the partnership.