Pearn Kandola had been recommended to The University of Zurich for bespoke unconscious bias training. This training specifically focussed on teams who advise academics on how to access research funding. The question posed at the start of these sessions was ‘does bias lead us to give a better a service to some groups rather than others?’
Solution
The solution we put together was one that explored this question in more detail. Different funding authorities were interested in how bias can impact funding decisions, and what steps to take to make this process fairer. The training was centred around awareness of bias, how it can impact advice in relation to funding, funding decision making, and the steps they can take to manage it.
Outcome/ results
Participants said the experience was positive. They realize it’s an ongoing, complex issue, which can’t be solved quickly after the session, but are moving in the right direction…
I appreciated very much collaborating with Pearn Kandola; communication was very easy-going, informal. I always got prompt replies. It was really excellent, I enjoyed it.
— Program Manager, Gender Equality and Diversity, University of Zurich
