Hidden Histories: co-creation to diversify the narrative in STEM curricula increases students’ sense of belonging

The Higher Education community recognises the need to critically examine the established narrative within the current curriculum to make it more inclusive. Furthermore, overlooking the contributions of scholars with diverse gender, sexuality, ethnicity, dis/ability and cultural backgrounds may exclude underrepresented groups from identifying with teaching resources and activities. The Hidden Histories project aims to diversify the narrative through co-creation, with student researchers supported to produce interactive seminar activities that embed the contributions of undercelebrated scholars into STEM curricula. Evaluation of the project revealed a striking impact on students’ awareness of thinkers from marginalised backgrounds, their appetite for deeper engagement with inclusive teaching and learning and, crucially, has encouraged a sense of belonging in STEM for students from a range of backgrounds. Student researchers report the development of their employability skills, including the instillation of a questioning mindset, empowered by newfound skills and enriched perspectives to challenge the prevailing norms and drive positive change in their future careers.