MeEDI® Project - CORNERSTONE

At the CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre, we are embedding the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. That’s why we’ve launched the MeEDI® Project.

MeEDI® empowers team members with real time and real resources to invest in themselves. Every eligible member of the CORNERSTONE team receives:

10% of their contracted time dedicated to personal and professional development
£1,000 annually to support their career growth and inclusive practice

MeEDI® is not just a strategy — it’s a cultural shift to allocate protected time and dedicated funds to enable an inclusive and diverse work environment. Because a more diverse, empowered pipeline means better outcomes for everyone.

What is MeEDI® Time?

The MeEDI® Project offers MeEDI® Time — “me-time” to invest in your career development and wellbeing. It’s protected space, set aside specifically to empower participants team to grow, reflect, and thrive.

Whether that means pursuing training, building a network, getting creative, or simply taking time to pause and reflect — MeEDI® is here to make space for that journey.

How Can Colleagues Use MeEDI® Time?

Participants can spend their MeEDI® Time on any activity or initiative that supports:

E: Equality of Opportunity

Improving access to opportunities and levelling the playing field. This ensures the best person is appointed and promoted, rewarding all talents fairly.

D: Diverse Perspectives

Building confidence to bring their full self — and their unique ideas — to the project. This unlocks creativity and increases productivity.

I: Inclusion & Belonging

Increasing their sense of inclusion and connection with others. This builds team cohesion, motivates people to go the extra mile, and helps retain talent.

A National Launch and Recognition

The MeEDI® Project was announced by Prof Averil Macdonald OBE, DSc, DUniv, FRSA at the House of Commons during the first Women in Tech Policy reception, proudly sponsored by CORNERSTONE.

Her bold thinking laid the foundation for a programme that puts real time and investment behind equity, diversity, and inclusion — not as ideals, but as daily practice.

MeEDI® is supported by the broader vision of Prof Graham Reed, whose leadership at the Optoelectronics Research Centre helped lay the groundwork for a culture at Cornerstone where inclusive innovation can truly thrive.

Enquiries

MeEDI® is a registered trademark. Use of the name, framework, or materials associated with MeEDI® must be granted by express permission from Professor Macdonald.

For enquiries about collaboration opportunities, access to resources or workshops, or general information about the project please contact: MeEDI@soton.ac.uk

We welcome conversations with organisations and institutions who share our commitment to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everyday practice.