Athena SWAN
The Athena SWAN Charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in higher education.
The University is the recipient of a bronze award for the Athena SWAN Charter that recognises that the University has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.
The University is committed to the Athena SWAN Charter principles:
- To address gender inequalities requires commitment and action from everyone, at all levels of the University
- To tackle the unequal representation of women in science requires changing cultures and attitudes across the University
- The absence of diversity at management and policy-making levels has broad implications which the University will examine
- The high loss rate of women in science is an urgent concern which the University will address
- The system of short-term contracts has particularly negative consequences for the retention and progression of women in science, which the University recognises
- There are both personal and structural obstacles to women making the transition from PhD into a sustainable academic career in science, which require the active consideration of the University.
The University currently runs supportive events which are open to female staff and postgraduates or the partners of male postgraduates. At these events women can work together to share in the personal growth and development process and acquire personal development skills.
ScienceGrrl is a network of (mainly) female scientists who are passionate about passing on their love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to the next generation.
For further information, please follow the link below:
Athena SWAN Action Plan
The Faculty of Science has a multi-faceted action plan that aims to introduce measures that advance the careers of women. Our action plan represents a large undertaking for many individuals within and without the Faculty. We will report our findings to major committees, such as the the Executive, Diversity and Equality Advisory Group and the Concordat Implementation Group who support the career development of research staff. This supportive structure will ensure that we have influence and that the lessons learned can be widely disseminated.
- Durham University Athena SWAN Action Plan (last modified: 31 May 2012)
