**3. Targeted recruitment efforts**

UK universities are increasingly focusing on targeted recruitment efforts to attract students from underrepresented groups. This includes attending recruitment fairs and events in areas with high levels of diversity, working with local schools and colleges to encourage students to consider STEM courses, and providing information and support to students and parents about the benefits of studying STEM.

In 2022 the University of Liverpool and University of South Wales became alliance members of Black British in STEM (BBSTEM) [16], an initiative which aims to support and champion Black individuals across science, technology, engineering and maths. With recruitment and retention rates particularly low among Black students in STEM subjects was established as a non-profit organisation in 2017. BBSTEM aims to increase the representation of Black scientists in academia and in industry whilst inspirinh young Black people to pursue STEM subjects in university and beyond. The University's membership has a number of benefits for students including employer led insight days, access to industry and academia opportunities from employers

actively welcoming diverse talent, 1–1 mentoring from a BBSTEM professional member, opportunities to build professional networks and events and programmes.

Some universities, such as the University of Warwick use contextual offers to take into account an applicant's individual circumstances and background. This approach allows for a more holistic assessment of students and recognises the potential and achievements of applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who may have faced educational disadvantages [17].

These examples demonstrate the efforts of UK universities to actively recruit and support students from underrepresented groups in STEM subjects. By providing targeted outreach, mentoring, and support, universities are working to address the underrepresentation of certain groups and create a more diverse and inclusive STEM community.
