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The Athena SWAN charter was established in 2005 to encourage, recognize and celebrate the commitment to advancing the careers of women in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) employment in higher education and research institutions.
Since 2006, when the first awards were conferred, the charter, and the Athena SWAN awards, have gone from strength to strength and have become an internationally recognized gender equality initiative.
In 2015 the charter was expanded to recognize work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognizes work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
- Athena SWAN at the Department of Statistical Science
The Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT) is responsible for the Department's Athena SWAN application and is chaired by Dr Niloufar Abourashchi and Dr Alex Donov. As part of its application process, the SAT is responsible for undertaking a thorough self-assessment in relation to gender equality, which includes the following activities:
- using quantitative and qualitative departmental data to identify both challenges and opportunities in relation to gender equality.
- evaluating and promoting relevant policies, practices and activities.
- responding to and addressing findings, establishing gender equality-based priority areas, and setting appropriate targets.
- developing and monitoring an action plan, and assessing the implementation of set goals and targets.
The Department took part in the lobbying which resulted in a Caring Fund to which staff and PhD students can apply.
- UCL Women in Mathematical Sciences
The UCL Departments of Statistical Science, Mathematics, and the CoMPLEX organise the event series aimed at women in higher education with the objective of supporting, enhancing and advancing their career. To find out more visit the UCL Women in Mathematical Sciences page.
- UCL Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committees and Networks
As part of UCL's commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion a wide range of Inclusion Groups and Social Networks are available at UCL. For further information please see the Committees and Social Networks page.
- UCL Women
UCL Women is a network for female academics (post docs and above) in STEMM. The network organises lectures, discussions and social events - please see their website or follow UCL Women on twitter for upcoming events and details on how to get involved.
- Parental Leave and Other Entitlements
UCL is committed to supporting working parents and carers. Relevant policies and guidance information can be found here as well as FAQ and facilities for Return to Work mothers.
- UCL Parents and Carers Together (PACT)
UCL Parents and Carers Together (PACT) is a volunteer-led grassroots network that was established in May 2014 to raise awareness of the needs of working parents and carers.
The network directly meets the second strategic objective of the UCL 2020 Strategy: to 'improve the consistency of experience and support of staff and students around pregnancy, maternity, paternity, childcare and caring responsibilities.'Core aims
- To support staff members who are balancing new or ongoing caring responsibilities with work
- To raise awareness of UCL policies that support parents and carers
- To open up discussion about the matters facing parents and carers working in universities
- To empower individuals throughout and beyond life at UCL
- To help the institution realise and achieve its strategic aims and aspirations, notably UCL 2034, the Equality, Diversion and Inclusion Strategy 2015 - 2020, and the UCL Grand Challenge of Human Wellbeing.
To find out more please visit the PACT page here.
- Access and Widening Participation
UCL's Access and Widening Participation team offers an exciting range of visits, events and programmes for students in years 5-13 and adult learners who are under-represented in higher education. We also run activities for parents and carers, and teachers and educational professionals.
For find out more please visit the Access and Widening Participation page here.
- Athena SWAN at UCL
The University is committed to the aims and principles of Athena SWAN and was one of the first Universities to sign up to the scheme. UCL was awarded its first university wide Bronze award in 2006, and has since renewed this award in 2009 and 2012. In 2015 UCL received a Silver Athena SWAN award. In his letter of support for UCL's most recent Athena SWAN application, the Provost stated that, "My commitment to advancing equality is based on my belief that our culture, research and teaching will be significantly enhanced when the staff and student population, at all levels of seniority fully represents our society."
UCL's 50:50 group for gender equality takes responsibility for the university Athena SWAN application, and monitoring progress across the university.
For further information please visit the UCL Athena SWAN page here.
- Athena SWAN Resources from Equality Challenge Unit
You can find handbooks, membership letter templates, action plan templates, information about data and statistics, Self-Assessment Team (SAT) guidance and application forms on the Athena SWAN Resources web page.
- Equality Charter Marks
In addition to the Athena SWAN Charter, UCL proudly participates in the Race Equality Charter Mark and and the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.
For further information please visit the Equality Charter Marks page here.
- Funding for Women in Science and Research
Daphne Jackson Trust is the UK's leading organisation that helps return STEM researchers and scientists to their careers after a break.
Funds for Women Graduates is an educational charity that helps to promote ‘the advancement of education and promotion of higher education and wider learning of women graduates’.
- Bronze Athena SWAN application
Last updated on 5/5/2020