Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our Commitment

Message from our Head of Department

In the Department of Chemistry, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and respectful community where everyone can thrive.

Our Athena Swan Silver Award reflects our continued work to embed equality and diversity into our culture, practices, teaching and research.

Through our EDI Committee, we bring together staff and students to guide this work and ensure that dignity, fairness, and opportunity remain at the centre of department life. We continue to strengthen inclusive recruitment, support professional development through programmes such as Aurora and Springboard, and promote flexible working to help colleagues balance work and personal commitments.

Our community is enriched by initiatives such as the Women in Chemistry Roundtable, the IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast, and the award‑winning student co-created We Are Chemistry project, as well as active networks including the Chemistry Women’s Network and the Warwick Black STEM Society.

While we are proud of our progress, we remain committed to continuous improvement and to creating a department where everyone feels valued and able to succeed.

Athena Swan

The Department of Chemistry currently holds an Athena Swan Silver AwardLink opens in a new window, signifying robust and sustained activity and achievement in promoting gender equality.

By being part of Athena Swan, we are committing to adopting the key Charter Principles within our policies, practices, action plans and culture.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee

The Chemistry Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) Committee was established in July 2022 and includes representatives from all staff groups, as well as student members.

The Committee promotes an inclusive and diverse culture within the Department of Chemistry and is strongly committed to ensuring equal opportunity for all.

Inclusive Recruitment

Professor Ann Dixon (Deputy Head of Department (People & Culture) led the development of new departmental processes to enhance the inclusivity, fairness, and transparency of academic staff recruitment.

"We are committed to building a strong and inclusive culture and a sense of community. Diversity is a challenge that many STEM subjects face, and we are working proactively to create innovative new ways to broaden our reach and attract more diverse applicants to our department".

Chemistry Events

Women in Chemistry

Our annual Women in Chemistry RoundtableLink opens in a new window event, organised by Dr Dani Pearson and Dr Livia Bartok-Partay brings together Chemistry staff and alumni for an open discussion about career paths and opportunities for women in STEM.

Global Women's Breakfast

Dr Rachel Hand organises our Annual IUPAC Global Women's Breakfast, a networking event that brings SEM Faculty staff and students together to connect over ED&I related issues.

We are Chemistry

Its student-led projects have addressed mental health, representation, lab safety, curriculum reform, and inclusive recruitment, while fostering collaboration across departments and influencing national EDI policy.

Winner of the 2025 Social Inclusion Staff AwardLink opens in a new window-Innovation Through Diversity.

Winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Inclusion and Diversity PrizeLink opens in a new window.

Staff Support

Networks & Forums

Chemistry Women's Network

The primary focus of this network is to address gender-related challenges facing women in Chemistry.

Warwick Black STEM Society

A student led initiative set up to provide a community based platform for black STEM students.

Learning & Development

Chemistry actively supports the advancement and career development of female colleagues through programmes including Aurora and Springboard.

Elise Bennett (Research Administrative Officer) & Aurora 2024 participant

"The Advance HE Aurora programmeLink opens in a new window has been beneficial in a whole host of ways, boosting my confidence to navigate work challenges. Through Inspiring stories, practical workshops, action learning sets and peer discussions, I’ve gained valuable insights into effective leadership approaches and developed a new awareness of my personal leadership style.

Flexible Working

Our Flexible Working Policy shows our commitment to improving workplace equality, and promoting an inclusive culture.

"Following a 5-month period of shared parental leave, I requested a move to part-time working to allow me to withdraw my daughter from nursery and look after her myself. The Department were hugely supportive - despite it requiring changing my role to a job-share and hiring a new member of staff. My work-life balance is fantastic and I love spending so much time with my daughter."

David Capper, Administrative Assistant