How CORNERSTONE’s MeEDI® Project is Supporting Professional Development and Inclusion in STEM

At CORNERSTONE, we know that building the future of silicon photonics requires more than investment in technology – it requires investment in the people shaping the industry. 

By nurturing individual aptitudes and developing broader skills that build confidence, we can empower people’s careers so that when they enter STEM, they stay. 

This is also crucial for creating a more inclusive STEM community. For example, women currently make up around 27.6% of the UK STEM workforce. For this to change, we need sustained efforts to improve access to opportunity, champion different perspectives and encourage inclusion and belonging throughout people’s careers. 

That’s why we implemented MeEDI® – a trailblazing programme putting this commitment into practice. 

What is the MeEDI® Project? 

MeEDI® was created by Professor Averil Macdonald OBE, one of the UK’s leading voices on equality, diversity and inclusion, and EDI lead at CORNERSTONE, in collaboration with Professor Katrina Morgan. 

The programme gives our team 10% of their contracted time dedicated to their personal and professional development, as well as £1,000 each year to support their career growth and inclusive practice. 

First launched in 2025, the project was announced by Professor Macdonald at the House of Commons during the first Women in Tech Policy reception. In this presentation, she emphasised building a programme that places time and investment behind equality, diversity and inclusion, embedding these principles into everyday practice in the workplace. 

The project is also supported by the broader vision of Professor Graham Reed, whose leadership at the Optoelectronics Research Centre has helped shape the inclusive research culture that enables initiatives such as MeEDI® to thrive at CORNERSTONE. 

MeEDI® is a proactive investment in people. It provides colleagues with the resources to build their skills, confidence and capability in ways that support both individual development and a stronger research and innovation environment. 

“A successful career is rarely a straightforward climb up the career ladder,” says Professor Averil Macdonald, “there are usually unexpected turns and opportunities along the way. The important thing is having the support to keep learning and adapting and having the confidence to identify and pursue new opportunities. MeEDI® was created to give people the time and resources to do exactly that, while helping to build a culture where everyone can feel that they belong, are valued and have the opportunity to progress.” 

Results from the MeEDI® Project 

The early results from MeEDI® demonstrate the level of engagement already taking place across the team.  

Among the eligible participants, 1,048 hours of MeEDI® time have already been recorded. Participants have also claimed funding to support career, personal and professional development activities. 

The feedback from participants was incredibly encouraging. Their reflections showed the value of having this focused time for development. 

Khaled Mohammed, Photonics Characterisation Engineer at CORNERSTONE, said, “I have been truly fortunate to benefit from the MeEDI® fund. The dedicated time and resources it provides have allowed me to invest meaningfully in my own development – from strengthening my Python automation skills through Coursera Plus, completing the Phot1x silicon photonics certification, to attending the Microelectronics UK conference to broaden my industry perspective. 

This support has made a genuine difference, not only to my technical capability but to my confidence and ambition as an engineer, and there is still a great deal more I look forward to exploring with the fund’s continued support. I am sincerely grateful to CORNERSTONE for investing in its people this way, and for creating an environment where growth like this is actively encouraged.” 

Building a community across CORNERSTONE 

More broadly, the MeEDI® Project is working towards a future where STEM is a 50/50 workforce by 2070. Achieving that goal will require action across education, research, industry and policy, but meaningful change also depends on the decisions organisations make today. 

The project allows for activities that develop skills, confidence and capability, while contributing to a more inclusive, high-performing research and innovation environment. 

Alongside CORNERSTONE’s own resources, our team can access development opportunities through the University of Southampton, including its Learning, Development and Leadership Offer, wellbeing resources, researcher development hubs and LinkedIn Learning. 

Staff networks also provide opportunities to connect with colleagues and share experiences, including the University Women’s Network, Disability Staff Network, REACH Staff Network and Pulse LGBTQ+ Staff Network.  

One of the new external resources we’re proud to be working on is the AI Skills Hub. Currently being trained by the UK Government, the Hub is a directory of learning materials designed to help UK organisations and individuals build their AI skills. 

Together, these resources give the team and the broader community a broad foundation for learning and development, from technical and professional training to personal wellbeing. 

Supporting the future of STEM careers 

Careers in STEM can be extremely rewarding, particularly for those working at the cutting edge of rapidly evolving technologies. But if the technologies of the future are going to work for everyone, we need a diverse group of people building them. 

Every individual should feel valued, respected and empowered at work. Our aim is for more individuals from under-represented groups to enter the silicon photonics field and progress at every level. Through inclusive practices and open dialogue, we want to create a culture where differences are celebrated and collaboration across perspectives is encouraged. 

The technologies being developed today will shape the world of tomorrow. Through MeEDI®, we are working to ensure that the people building that future have the opportunity and confidence to play their part. 

To learn more about the MeEDI® Project, please visit our website for more information:  https://cornerstone.sotonfab.co.uk/about-us/me-edi/