The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) at The University of Sheffield is proud to announce it has been successful in renewing the Athena Swan Silver Award for another four years.
CBE at Sheffield has maintained its position as one of the leading educators of female chemical engineers in the United Kingdom with well above the national average proportion of female students in both their undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes.
CBE first obtained the Silver award in 2013. Over the years, the department has worked to ensure gender balance; the CBE Athena SWAN action plan focussed particularly on actively encouraging talented female candidates to apply for postgraduate research positions and academic posts and promoting academic career opportunities in the undergraduate and postgraduate taught programme.
This success has been related to implementing new procedures and training during recruiting and the presence of a number of strong female role models, particularly Dr Rachael Rothman, Dr Rachel Smith and Athena Swan Champion Professor Annette Taylor. The department also made new appointments to the leadership team with Professor Serena Corr and Professor Joan Cordiner, who have promoted good practice at external events, including International Women’s day. CBE ensured the continued success of all female staff with flexible working, the visibility of female speakers at seminars and improved communication through internal communications such as our Fab Friday coffee mornings and staff newsletter.
Launched in 2005, Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) was originally aimed at advancing women’s progression in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM), and now has expanded criteria to cover all areas, from students through to academic, support and professional staff.
Speaking of the award, Professor Jim Litser, Head of Department said:
“I’d like to congratulate our Equality and Diversity Committee for their hard work in achieving this award, and also the broader department for continuing to make Chemical and Biological Engineering at Sheffield a warm and welcoming community. Our team, led by Professor Anette Taylor, worked really hard on this application and the award is a reflection of the team's dedication to equality, diversity and inclusion.”
Professor Anette Taylor Athena Swan Champion said:
“We’re proud to obtain the renewal of our Silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our activities related to gender equality in our department. Thanks to everyone on our Equality and Diversity Committee and to all our staff for their continued commitment in making our department an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”