Challenging inequality, building trust, and turning research into action sit at the heart of Dawn Edge’s work at The University of Manchester. As the University’s Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, with a particular focus on race, religion and belief, she combines institutional leadership with academic practice. Alongside this role, Dawn is Professor of Mental Health and Inclusivity, teaching and supporting students from undergraduate level through to PhD, while leading research that addresses some of the most entrenched inequalities in UK mental health care. 

Much of Dawn’s research focuses on psychosis and schizophrenia among people of African Caribbean origin. This group faces the highest risk of diagnosis, alongside poorer access to care and significantly worse experiences within mental health services. People are more likely to be subjected to coercive practices such as restraint, and more likely to die while in care. For Dawn, identifying these disparities is only the starting point; research must actively contribute to solutions that improve people’s lives. 

Dawn’s commitment to this work is rooted in a lifelong belief in social justice. As the first female Professor of Caribbean descent in her field, this belief is informed by a personal and ancestral history shaped by resistance, survival and collective action. 

In practice, Dawn chose to work directly with people from African diaspora communities to co-create interventions that reflected lived experience and community priorities. Central to Dawn’s work is trust, with projects prioritising relationship-building and transparency. Participants are not simply research subjects, but collaborators, with a clear understanding of how their contributions will be used and what they will gain from the process. 

This commitment has led to the development of culturally adapted family interventions designed to support people affected by psychosis. Through community feedback and evaluation, a consistent message emerged: education is essential. Families need accessible information about mental health, treatment options, professional roles, and rights under the Mental Health Act. In response, Dawn developed educational resources that sit at the centre of a digital mental health intervention. 

That commitment shaped Dawn’s role in The University of Manchester becoming the first Russell Group institution to be awarded a Silver Race Equality Charter. Chairing the submission process, she worked closely with professional services staff, academics, students and community partners to demonstrate not only an understanding of racial inequalities, but evidence of meaningful change in practice. While a Bronze award recognises that problems and potential solutions have been identified, Silver requires institutions to demonstrate impact from their implemented solutions. 

Looking ahead, Dawn is focused on advancing race equality at The University of Manchester, alongside her commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers. She prioritises working with early- and mid-career academics, recognising the barriers many face in gaining experience and securing funding. By championing co-led research, Dawn is strengthening the research pipeline and supporting the continuation of this work.