Two University Schools recognised for supporting career progression of women
Friday, 17 September 2010
l to r: Marguerite Gascoine SMPS, Katherine Shaw SMPS, Professor Robert Gurney SMPS, Dr Kim Watson SBS and Professor Gavin Brooks, Dean of Science. Photo: Geoff Wilson
ÔÇÿ[The award] highlights [the schoolsÔÇÖ] commitment to supporting the career progression of our female academic colleagues in these subject areas.ÔÇÖ
The Schools of Biological Sciences and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (SMPS) at the University of Reading have been awarded a Silver Award by Athena SWAN. The awards recognise and celebrate good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology (SET) in higher education and research.
Both Schools received their award during a special celebratory lunch at the Royal Society, London, on Thursday16 September 2010.
Athena SWAN awards are given to university departments and institutions that support female staff and students. They recognise good practice on recruiting and promoting women in universities. The awards include recognising action plans on gender equality, providing positive support for women at key career transition points and changing the culture and the gender balance in decision making.
Professor Gavin Brooks, Dean of Science and Chair of the Athena SWAN Committee at the University, commented: "The University of Reading is fully committed to the aims and ambitions of the Athena SWAN Charter. We are delighted to have been recognised by Athena SWAN through the award of Silver Awards to both Schools. It highlights their commitment to supporting the career progression of our female academic colleagues in these subject areas. The latest awards add to the University's Bronze Award, and the Silver Award given to the School of Construction Management and Engineering in 2009."
David Ruebain, chief executive of ECU, said: "I am delighted that so many higher education institutions and SET departments have achieved Athena SWAN Awards this year. It is not easy to meet the criteria, so these awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of the sector to promoting the career progression of female academics and researchers.
"The methodology of Athena SWAN has proven to be transformative and I congratulate the winners for leading the way in encouraging women into science at a time when only 5.3% of working women are working in science, engineering and technology. Not only does this work enrich the careers of individuals, it helps institutions to harness the talents of a diverse workforce."
For more information about the Athena Swan Charter visit http://www.athenaswan.org.uktheir athena-swan/