Athena SWAN

Bronze award success

The University of Exeter has been successful in achieving Bronze Athena SWAN University award. The bronze award has established Exeter’s foundation and intent to further good practice in STEM subjects, and across the university.

Charter for women in science

The charter is concerned with the underrepresentation of women in STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Science cannot reach its full potential without first addressing these gender imbalances. Athena SWAN awards at bronze, silver and gold level recognise institutions that show good practice and promote opportunities for women – working and studying - in these subjects.

The University of Exeter has just received supporter status and is committed to the charter principles:

1. To address gender inequalities requires commitment and action from everyone, at all levels of the organisation
2. To tackle the unequal representation of women in science requires changing cultures and attitudes across the organisation
3. The absence of diversity at management and policy-making levels has broad implications which the organisation will examine
4. The high loss rate of women in science is an urgent concern which the organisation will address
5. The system of short-term contracts has particularly negative consequences for the retention and progression of women in science, which the organisation recognises
6. 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 organisation.

Action at Exeter

A team of academic and professional staff from the College of Life and Environmental Sciences and the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and University of Exeter Medical School are leading the Athena project.

The Athena SWAN group are working closely with the Equality and diversity team to facilitate awareness and positive action. An action plan has been compiled to identify significant issues ranging from data collection to career transition points, the working culture, staff development and institutional procedures.

Initiatives in progress include: a ‘Women in Science’ lecture series, consultations with staff across STEM subjects, policy reviews and data analysis to highlight current gender imbalances.

The Athena Swan working group welcome any suggestions, support and queries - C.Hewlett@exeter.ac.uk

Find out more

Find out further information about the University of Exeter and Athena SWAN.