National equality, diversity and inclusion prize for Dr Bahar Baser
One of our inspiring international affairs researchers has been recognised for her significant contribution to promoting inclusivity.
Dr Bahar Baser is the co-winner of the British International Studies Association’s (BISA) Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Prize 2024.
The award recognises those who promote a more inclusive discipline through a range of activities including publications, events, mentorships, public engagement, and service to BISA.
Supporting early career researchers
Bahar, who is Associate Professor in Middle East Politics in our School of Government and International Affairs, has been supporting early career researchers and colleagues from the Global South for many years.
She’s also a member of Pro:NE, a network created by Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Teesside universities, in the North-East of England, to widen access and participation for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students and staff in postgraduate research.
She put her award success down to the opportunities provided by the British Academy through two consecutive Writing Workshops conducted in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq between 2020 and 2025.
The workshops brought together emerging scholars from the region to build their research and publication capacity with the help of prominent social science and humanities academics.
The researchers also worked with editors of prestigious international journals publishing on Middle East peace and security.
The workshops provided training, networking opportunities and one-to-one mentoring to develop long-term connections between scholars of the Global North and South.
They also supported the career development of emerging Kurdish researchers as well as enriching the learning of Kurdish Studies.
Commitment to fostering inclusion
Bahar received her award at the annual BISA conference. The judges said: “This is an impressive application that demonstrates commitments to fostering inclusion in theory and practice, including beyond the UK.
“Dr Baser’s work and approach has made tangible impact to advance diversity and inclusion within international studies thus setting an exemplary standard for others to follow.”
Find out more
- Read more about Dr Bahar Baser.
- See the British International Studies Association’s 2024 awards and prizes.
- Our School of Government and International Affairs (SGIA) is ranked 8th in the UK for Politics in the Complete University Guide 2024.We are a research-intensive department and we use innovative teaching techniques to ensure we combine our latest world-leading research into the programmes we deliver. Feeling inspired? Visit our SGIA webpages to find out more about studying with us. Durham University is a top 100 world university. In the QS World University Rankings 2024, we were ranked 78th globally.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Durham University.
“The workshops brought together emerging scholars from the region…”
“I thank my colleagues in Kurdistan Region of Iraq who opened their hearts and minds and collaborated with me in these projects. I dedicate this prize to the participants of these workshops.
“My commitment to upholding principles of equality and diversity permeates every aspect of my life, from the classroom to the workplace and beyond.”
Dr Bahar Baser, School of Government and International Affairs