Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Our Commitment
We believe that diverse perspectives lead to better decisions, stronger science, and greater impact.
We are committed to creating an environment where every student, researcher, and staff member feels welcome, respected, and able to succeed.
Message from our Head of Department
Athena Swan
The Department of Chemistry currently holds an Athena Swan Silver Award, 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 works to foster an inclusive and diverse culture within the Department of Chemistry, with a strong commitment to equality of opportunity for all.
We promote an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where discrimination and unacceptable behaviour are not tolerated.
The Committee provides a forum for discussion and consultation on ED&I issues affecting our staff and student communities.
Our Initiatives
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 Roundtable 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 for SEM Faculty staff and students 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.
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Networks & Forums
Chemistry Women's Network
The primary focus of this network is to address gender-related challenges facing women in Chemistry.
Warwick Black Chemistry Society
A student led initiative set up to provide a community based platform for black Chemistry students
Aurora
The Department of Chemistry actively supporting its female colleagues.
Flexible Working
Our Flexible Working Policy shows our commitment to improving workplace equality,
and promote 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 young daughter from nursery and look after her myself. The Department were hugely supportive of this move - despite it requiring changing my role to a job-share and hiring a new member of staff.
The change has been amazing. My work-life balance is fantastic and I love spending so much time with my daughter."
David Capper, Administrative Assistant
Resources
Resources to Share
Diversity Book Club
Create your own Diversity Book Club using the materials developed by Warwick Chemistry.