Commitment to women in science

Cardiff University's commitment to women in science has been recognised with the renewal of a national accolade.

The University has successfully renewed its Athena Swan Bronze Award in recognition of its success in recruiting, retaining and promoting women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM).

The Athena SWAN Charter aims to encourage and recognise commitment to combating the underrepresentation of women in STEMM research and to advance the careers of women in academic roles. It also covers the progression of students into academia and the working environment for all staff.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Elizabeth Treasure, who chairs the University's Equality and Diversity Committee and the University's Athena Swan Panel, said: "I am delighted that our commitment to women in science has been formally recognised with the renewal of the Athena Swan Bronze Award, having been awarded the accreditation in 2009.

"The University is committed to supporting, developing and promoting equality and diversity in all of its practices and activities, and creating an environment in which all staff may realise their potential.

"I would like to thank all colleagues who have continued to work hard on championing the Athena Swan initiative across the University."

The Charter is owned by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), which works to support equality and diversity for staff and students in higher education institutions across the UK.

Currently there are three Silver and six Bronze award holding Academic Schools with a further six working towards awards. The School of Physics and Astronomy is working towards a Project JUNO Practitioners Level award.

Sarah Dickinson, Athena SWAN charter manager at Equality Challenge Unit, said: "Congratulations to all our new award holders and to those successfully renewing or upgrading previous awards.

"To be successful, applicants to the charter mark need to undertake detailed analysis of their practices, enabling them to plan measurable action that makes a real impact."