On Tuesday 14th October, I had the privilege of attending the NERC OutE25 event in Manchester as a Project Partner for the initiative Creating Spaces Of Belonging: The UK Black In NERC Science Pipeline. The event brought together teams funded through the NERC Opening up the Environment scheme for a day of connection, reflection, and forward planning.

Held at Manchester Central, the day offered:

• Networking opportunities with fellow grant holders and project teams
• A collaborative focus on evaluation and self-assessment, supported by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC)
• Insightful updates from NERC on the Opening Up Programme and future funding opportunities

As a partnership school, our involvement centres on supporting outreach and engagement-ensuring that students from underrepresented backgrounds feel seen, heard, and empowered to pursue science. The event was a valuable opportunity to share our experiences, learn from others, and strengthen our commitment to inclusive science education.

B-HUGs on Tour: Our Journey to Manchester

Our journey began with a bit of magic – four separate establishments, four taxis, and somehow we all made it to the station in time to catch an earlier train, dodging the post-school rush. The train ride was full of energy: ideas, reflections, and pride in how far we’d come. We spoke about securing funding, inspiring young people, and the emotional impact of the Futures Festival weekend just gone; it was the first time we felt the true ripple effect, and it was so great to hear parent feedback and getting them excited for the next phase and plans .

Safi, ever-prepared, had made us each a folder with the NERC itinerary, and we rehearsed her two-minute pitch about B-HUGs – what it stands for and how the grant will be used.

Manchester greeted us with its vibrant buzz at 8pm. Eunace, who had travelled separately, was waiting at the AirBnB along with piping hot Caribbean food from a local vendor. Platters of curry goat, rice and peas, jerk chicken, plantain, and corn were a delicious homage to heritage and the heart of our project.

By 1am, we finally called it a night. As two called an early night, four people from four different backgrounds, shared stories as Jegnas -mentors full of wisdom from life and academia alike I was in awe of how our paths had crossed in life and if 2 years ago someone told me I would be here I would have laughed!

---

Conference Day: Connection and Impact

On our way to The Lowry Hotel, the conference venue, our taxi driver asked about our plans, and once again we shared the B=HUGs mission – creating spaces of belonging and representation in the South West. He resonated deeply, sharing his own school experiences and wishing he’d had teachers like us. It felt surreal, like our paths were meant to cross and more of a reason for our mission.

Safi nailed her two-minute pitch (yes, I timed her!) — confidently explaining how we’re building spaces of belonging. Nudge nudge, wink wink.

At the hotel, we received our name badges and settled into a room filled with project leaders, researchers, scientists, EDI experts, and partners – all united by the goal of empowering underrepresented young people in environmental science.

I’ll admit, I felt a little out of my depth at first – conferences aren’t my usual scene, but the warm welcome and interactive networking (including Miro boards!) made it feel inclusive and energising.

Breaks and lunch were filled with homemade sweet treats and delicious food, and the conversations flowed. We connected with potential partners from Bristol, Loughborough, and Wales exploring how their ideas could be woven into the BHUGs model.

---

Leaving Inspired

We left Manchester wiser, stronger, and full of goosebumps. As partners, co-founders, interns, and project leads, we carried home new discussions, directions, and plans for 2026.

This wasn’t just a conference – it was a celebration of belonging, representation, and the power of lived experience. B-HUGs is more than a project. It’s a movement.

-Wahida