Athena SWAN
The School is actively working to support women in Science, Engineering and Technology.
What is the Athena SWAN Charter?
The Athena SWAN Charter is a scheme which recognises excellence in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) employment in higher education.
The beliefs underpinning the Charter are:
- The advancement of science, engineering and technology (SET) is fundamental to quality of life across the globe.
- It is vitally important that women are adequately represented in what has traditionally been, and is still, a male-dominated area.
- Science cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of the whole population, and until women and men can benefit equally from the opportunities it affords.
Any university or research institution which is committed to the advancement and promotion of the careers of women in SET in higher education and research can apply for membership.
What is an Athena SWAN award?
Athena SWAN awards recognise and celebrate good practice on recruiting, retaining and promoting women in science, engineering and technology (SET) in higher education.
The School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science is demonstrating its commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, engineering and technology in higher education and research by working toward the Athena SWAN Bronze award.
To achieve this award, the School is:
- developing an understanding of its current policies, practices and culture
- aiming to provide positive support for women at key points in their careers
- improving culture and gender balance in its decision-making
- improving practices that support work-life balance for all staff
Why apply for an Athena SWAN award in the School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science?
Achieving the award would show that:
- the School takes care to attract, retain and recognise talent
- the School supports women, especially at key career transition points
- the School promotes and enables its academic and research staff to achieve a work-life balance
- the School actively works to achieve equality and to engage women in leadership and decision-making
What help does the School need in its application for an Athena SWAN award?
The School needs to prepare a case showing how it plans to achieve the aims of an Athena SWAN award and how it is working towards achieving these aims.
All academic and research members of the School are encouraged to contribute to the process:
- Answer the questionnaire (issued November 2011) to provide an understanding of the School culture, policies and practices
- Contribute a profile showing how the School supports you in achieving a good work-life balance
- Suggesting what improvements are needed in the School
- Contact any member of the working group with feedback, comments or suggestions
For more information see: The Athena SWAN website