Skip to main content
woman looking at research results on a computer screen

N8 CIR Women in HPC Initiative

We are a community of researchers, software engineers, and students across the N8 universities dedicated to changing the face of High Performance Computing (HPC).

More than just a professional chapter, we are a support network. We exist to empower women and underrepresented groups to thrive in computationally intensive research, from their first line of code to senior leadership.

The Reality

HPC powers the world’s most critical research, yet the people behind the keyboards don’t always reflect the world we live in. We know that diverse teams build better software and solve harder problems. However, barriers, both visible and invisible, often discourage talented individuals from entering or staying in the field.

We believe that you cannot be what you cannot see. That’s why we are shifting our focus from simply "managing" diversity to actively building a community where you belong.

What we do

We are turning policy into practice through three core pillars:

  • Building Community: We move beyond formal committees to host real conversations. Through coffee mornings, technical showcases, and open forums, we create safe spaces to share experiences, ask "stupid" questions, and find allies.
  • Amplifying Hidden Voices: We actively scout and showcase the work of women and underrepresented genders across the N8. We provide platforms—such as our case studies and seminar series—to ensure your research receives the spotlight it deserves.
  • Demystifying the Career: Whether you are an undergraduate curious about supercomputing or a researcher aiming for a fellowship, we provide the mentorship and "hidden curriculum" knowledge you need to navigate the academic and technical landscape.

Get Involved

This initiative is shaped by its members. Whether you write code daily or are just starting to explore digital research, there is a place for you here.

  • Join the Network: Click on this link to automatically generate an email. There is no need for a subject.
  • Share Your Story: Complete our case study form. It would be great to hear from you and publish it on our pages. We are also happy for you to share your experiences, which we can use for internal reporting only.

Keynote Presentation from the 2025 DRI Retreat

Watch this inspiring and practical keynote presentation, in which Anita Banerji (University of Manchester, Software Sustainability Institute) addresses how we can support a wider range of people and roles in digital research infrastructure (DRI).

Drawing on insights from the social sciences, Anita explores the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups, the real impact of inclusive practices, and how DRI careers intersect with research culture and recognition.

This talk includes:

  • Reflections on how DRI careers are perceived and valued
  • What supports or hinders career progression
  • Practical advice for making inclusion work sustainable
  • A guided reflection to help viewers identify next steps in their own journey

Read more about how we are supporting women in HPC through our case studies and diversity checklist.

Why should you get involved?

Read the 2024 Higher Education Policy Institute report on gender pay gaps in higher education in the UK.

Show me the money: an exploration of the gender pay gap in higher education

Return to article index