Where research meets conversation, and conversation inspires change.
Coffee & Research Beans is a research-led initiative dedicated to exploring gender equity, professional experiences and social sustainability within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector.
Bringing together academics, researchers, students and industry professionals, the project creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about career progression, leadership, professional identity, workplace challenges and the experiences that shape women’s journeys in the built environment.
At its heart is the belief that personal experiences are not simply individual stories. When explored collectively and critically, they can help reveal wider patterns, challenge established assumptions and contribute to meaningful change.
The Story Behind the Initiative
Coffee & Research Beans was founded by Dr Luana Parisi at the University of East London to create a space where women working in traditionally male-dominated professions could share their experiences, celebrate their achievements and discuss the challenges they encounter throughout their careers.
The initiative recognises that professional journeys are rarely linear. Opportunities, workplace cultures, mentoring relationships, caring responsibilities, personal aspirations and structural inequalities can all influence career development.
Through informal yet purposeful conversations, Coffee & Research Beans brings these experiences into dialogue with academic research, connecting individual perspectives to broader questions about equality, inclusion and professional development.
🎯 Our Purpose
💬 How It Works
To amplify women’s voices, challenge gender inequalities and explore opportunities for more inclusive career progression, leadership and professional development within the built environment.
Through inspiring conversations, research, mentoring and community engagement, Coffee & Research Beans connects personal experiences with professional insights and opportunities for collaboration.
📊 Research & Impact
👥 Who Can Participate
Turning lived experiences into meaningful evidence, the initiative investigates gender inequality, career progression and social sustainability to inform research, professional practice and positive change.
Students, researchers, academics, industry professionals and anyone passionate about gender equity and inclusion are welcome to share experiences, exchange ideas and contribute to the conversation.
Be Part of the Conversation
Share your experiences, contribute to research or explore opportunities to collaborate.
