Equality and diversity in Chemistry at Southampton recognised with a second Athena SWAN Silver award
Chemistry at the University of Southampton has been awarded its second Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Silver Award, becoming the first department at the University of Southampton to achieve this status twice.
Since being awarded their first Silver award in 2015, Chemistry has strived to embed a progressive and equality-driven environment in which all members of the department can thrive, whether staff or student. Receiving this award for the second time highlights Chemistry’s continuing efforts to support the career aspirations of female chemists, whilst eliminating gender bias and promoting opportunities for all.
Professor Gill Reid, Head of Chemistry comments: "I am both delighted and proud that Chemistry at Southampton has been successful in receiving an Athena SWAN Silver Award for the second time – becoming the first department in the University to renew this award. This really testifies to the values around equality, diversity and inclusion that we hold in Chemistry.
“Thanks to the leadership from the EDI team, and especially Dr Lynda Brown, we have made huge strides in this area over the last few years. We are ambitious to ensure that Chemistry continues to be a great place to study and work, and that we provide a supportive environment for all of our students and staff.”
Dr Lynda Brown, co-chair of Chemistry's EDI committee, said “I am extremely delighted that Chemistry has been awarded its second Athena SWAN Silver award. Renewal of this award requires significant evidence of progress and impact since the last award. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to change and the excellent progress we have made in recent years.”
The University of Southampton is a founding signatory of the Athena SWAN Charter which was set up in 2005 to recognise and encourage commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEMM employment in higher education and research, and now also recognises the work undertaken to address gender equality.