The University of Nottingham

The School of Life Sciences is the latest at the University to have been given the Athena SWAN silver award —highlighting the institution’s comitment to developing the careers of women across science, engineering, maths, medicine and technology.

Life Sciences joins six other schools across three faculties — the latest to be awarded the distinction at the University. The award is only given to schools and departments which have identified challenges affecting women’s career progress, and set out clear actions to address these challenges. Holders of the award must also demonstrate that these actions have been implemented, and show their impact.

“We are delighted to receive this award,” said Professor Ian McDonald, Head of the School of Life Sciences. “Ensuring that women at all points in their career have access to support, guidance and opportunity is key to the development of the whole school.

The School of Physics and Astronomy has seen its silver award renewed — marking out its continuing commitment to tackling gender inequality and promoting the progression of women in science. Awards are granted for three years, after which departments must reapply.

The Faculty of Engineering, School of Biosciences, Division of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Pharmacy and School of Psychology also hold silver Athena Swan awards. The bronze award is held by the School of Community Health Sciences, School of Computer Sciences, School of Geography, School of Mathematical Sciences, School of Chemistry and the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy.

 The University of Nottingham also has an institutional silver award. Only two other UK Universities hold the same honour — Queen’s University Belfast and Imperial College London.

Marion Walker, Professor of Stroke Rehabilitation, heads up the University’s WinSET — Women in Science, Engineering and Technology — group.

She said: “The Athena SWAN Silver awards for Physics and Astronomy and Life Sciences clearly illustrates the seriousness, committment and hard work taking place across the University in advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and science.

“Our clear aim is to make The University of Nottingham the first choice for women to progress their careers and to achieve all their vocational ambitions in a supportive environment. I have passed my congratulations and thanks to all those involved in these fantatsic achievements but realise that our efforts must continue with the same intensity and rigour to realise our ambitions for all women of all disciplines and also to address these issues on our international campuses.”