uk resource centre for women in science, engineering and technology - athena swan sub-site

Athena SWAN Charter: measuring success was launched by Athena SWAN patron Professor Dame Julia Higgins, Imperial College London, at the Athena SWAN awards ceremony in Nottingham on 4 October 2011. The research details the findings of a series of interviews and focus groups conducted with vice chancellors, pro vice chancellors, department heads, equality and diversity practitioners, and academics and researchers in SET disciplines at five Athena SWAN award-holding institutions across the UK.

 

Founders and main funders Equality Challenge Unit and the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET commissioned this study to understand how Athena SWAN has made an impact on the number and level of women in SET in higher education since the Charter was launched in 2005.

 

The research identified impact in terms of organisational structure and culture change, with increases in the proportion of women, better representation of women on committees, improvements in the transition from postdoctoral researcher to first academic post, improved working practices to support career progression, and growth in women’s networking across institutions.

 

The report assessed impact in a number of areas:

In her foreword to the report, Professor Dame Julia Higgins, Athena SWAN Charter Patron said:
‘The findings of this research study clearly evidence the impact Athena SWAN has had, and continues to have, both at an institutional level and for individuals. Within universities and departments change is happening: organisational structures and practices are being improved, there is greater awareness around culture and gender equality and the importance of good communication is being highlighted. For individuals, Athena SWAN has been valuable in encouraging aspiration, identifying and exemplifying role models and illustrating potential academic career pathways and opportunities.’

 

Requests for copies of the report can be made by contacting Sarah Hawkes, Senior Policy Adviser (sarah.hawkes@ecu.ac.uk).