Mathematics and Computer Science granted bronze Athena SWAN award

The Athena SWAN charter encourages Universities to work towards gender equality within STEM/M Disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine). The beliefs underpinning the Charter are:

• The advancement of science, engineering and technology 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.

It is important to identify the issues faced by women in Science, and to implement actions to tackle the structural or cultural barriers to progression in academia. Athena SWAN highlights that bad practice disproportionately affects women, while good practice benefits all staff. 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.

Professor Mark Baldwin, Head of the Department, said: "I am extremely pleased with this Bronze Award, which reflects our ongoing efforts toward advancing women’s careers within our Department. The mission of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is to achieve world-class teaching and research within a world-class working environment. Our commitment to gender equality and the Athena SWAN Charter underpins that mission."

The awards ceremony will be held on 6 November at the University of Cambridge.

For more information on Athena SWAN activities within the College please see the College Athena SWAN website