The University of Leeds has been commended for its work to support the career development of talented women working in the traditionally male-dominated fields of science, engineering and technology in the form of a prestigious bronze award under the Athena SWAN Charter for Women in Science. http://www.athenaswan.org.uk/html/athena-swan/

The University joined the Athena SWAN Charter in May 2008. In the period to May 2009 a group chaired by professor of palaeoclimatology Jane Francis, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, and supported by Kathy Aveyard from the Equality Service, worked to identify good practice and develop an action plan for further initiatives across the campus to support women’s career development in research and learning and teaching.

The University of Leeds has a strong commitment to promoting equality, as illustrated by the number of women in some of our most senior positions, including our pro-chancellor, one pro-vice-chancellor and 51 female professors across the SET Faculties of Biological Sciences (7), Engineering (7), Environment (4), Maths and Physical Sciences (4) and Medicine and Health (29).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur says: “Every one of our staff plays a part in the success of the University and since five of our nine faculties include science, engineering and technology disciplines, the Athena SWAN principles are important reminders of the need to ensure that our women academics are supported throughout their employment to achieve their personal aspirations.”

The Athena SWAN Charter is supported at a national level by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and the Equality Challenge Unit.

For more information please contact Kathy Aveyard, Equality and Diversity Manager: k.a.aveyard@adm.leeds.ac.uk or phone 0113 343 3964.