Athena SWAN, the national HE charter mark recognising commitment to women’s career development in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM), has renewed the University’s Bronze award.
In addition to the institutional award, the following institutes have been successful in their applications:
• Institute of Integrative Biology – Departmental Silver Award
• Institute of Translational Medicine – Departmental Silver Award
• Institute of Infection and Global Health – Departmental Bronze Award
• Institute of Psychology, Health and Society – Departmental Bronze Award
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Howard Newby said: “The University is committed to tackling workplace barriers for female students and staff working in STEMM areas. This award recognises the significant work and focus that continues to take place across the Institution.”
Recent developments
Recent developments that have helped to promote gender equality have included:
• the establishment of the Liverpool Women in Science and Engineering Society and a Female Early Career Researcher Network
• continued promotion success with the appointment of four female Professors in the Teaching and Scholarship pathway in November 2013
• the launch of a female mentoring pilot with the University of Manchester, and the launch of the University of Liverpool mentoring programme.
Bronze department awards recognise that the Institute has identified particular gender equality challenges that impact on their staff and students and has agreed a series of activities to address these issues over the next three years.
In addition to the future planning required for Bronze department recognition, a Silver department award recognises that the Institute has taken action in response to previously identified challenges and it can demonstrate that there has been a positive impact of the experiences of female staff and students from their implemented activities.
Implementing Athena SWAN principles
There are currently 10 Schools and Institutes working to implement the Athena SWAN principles. The School of Engineering and the School of Physical Sciences submitted a Bronze award application at the end of April, and the Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease is building on their current Bronze award by also submitting a Silver application in April.
Professor Sue Wray has been appointed Athena Swan Director and will be working with all Athena Swan leads to ensure the continued focus on driving gender equality initiatives.
Further information on Athena SWAN at the University is available on: https://www.liv.ac.uk/intranet/hr/diversity-equality/gender/athenaswan/.