RISE researchers have been quoted in the national media, in response to a new scheme to advance social mobility in the North East of England.

Dr Antony Mullen, Research Associate at RISE, responded to the Pro:NE proposals – led by Durham University – to put £2.5m into supporting BAME students into doctoral study.

The scheme also includes Newcastle, Teesside, Sunderland and Northumbria Universities.

Dr Mullen told ITV:

“Developing skills that enable independence is the foundation of meaningful social mobility, so the mentoring and development aspects of this programme will be the most important parts of it, alongside eliminating financial barriers.”The pilot focusing on fairer admissions is innovative and could prove important in offering a level playing field for university admissions in general – removing barriers that exist to those held back by all kinds of disadvantage – and be extended beyond doctoral programmes by the partner universities.”

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