Imagine a UK university landscape where Sikh voices shape policy, lead faculties, and inspire the next generation. Where brilliant Sikh students arrive on campus and see professors, deans, and leaders who share their heritage. Where representation isn’t a rarity – it’s the norm.
That’s the future we’re building. And it’s closer than you think.
Sikhs in Academia is a vibrant, growing network of students, researchers, lecturers, and professors transforming higher education from within. In just two years, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones:
✨ Launched annual PhD conferences – creating spaces where Sikh doctoral researchers connect, collaborate, and thrive
✨ More than doubled the number of Sikh chaplains across UK universities – bringing cultural understanding and pastoral support where it never existed
✨ Funded travel and accommodation for students who otherwise couldn’t attend conferences
✨ Built a national community of Sikh academics supporting each other at every career stage
The momentum is real. But there’s still work to do.
Right now, there are no Sikh Vice Chancellors in the UK. Two Pro Vice Chancellors. No Sikh Deans of Faculty. Only 0.07% of PhD students are Sikh. And despite securing places at prestigious universities, many Sikh undergraduates face an attainment gap that shouldn’t exist.
These aren’t just statistics – they’re opportunities. Opportunities to mentor. To inspire. To build the networks and support systems that will change these numbers for good.
The talented Sikh students entering university this September – and every September after – deserve to see what’s possible. They deserve role models, mentors, and a community that says: you belong here, and we’ve got your back.
This June 6-7, we’re gathering again. PhD students will present groundbreaking research. Early-career academics will find their tribe. Undergraduates will glimpse their future. It’s going to be powerful – but we need your support to make it happen.
Here’s how you can help:
Your degree opened doors. It shaped your thinking, your career, your place in the world. Now you have the chance to do the same for the next generation of Sikh scholars.
Any donation – from £5 upwards – helps fund conference attendance, builds our chaplaincy network, and creates the infrastructure that will carry Sikh voices to the highest levels of academia.
To donate a custom amount, please make the payment here:
Sikhs in Academia
Sort code: 30-54-66
Account number: 19896060
