MeEDI® Project

The CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre has 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 simply a strategy; it is a proactive investment in people.

The MeEDI® project allocates protected time and dedicated funds to develop skills, confidence and capability in ways that strengthen an inclusive, high performing research and innovation 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 and personal development. It’s protected space, set aside specifically to empower participants’ team to grow, reflect, and thrive.

Whether that means pursuing training, building a network 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 — embedding these principles into everyday practice rather than treating them as abstract ideals.

MeEDI® is supported by the broader vision of Prof Graham Reed. His leadership at the Optoelectronics Research Centre helped shape the inclusive research culture that enables initiatives such as  MeEDI® to thrive at CORNERSTONE..

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 equality, diversity, and inclusion into everyday practice.