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University of Warwick celebrated for its work towards equal opportunities

The University of Warwick has been recognised by the Athena Swan Charter for its good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology (SET).

The University has been awarded bronze status with the Chemistry and Physics departments both awarded silver status.

On September 16 representatives from the University will travel down to the Royal Society in London to accept the awards from the Charter, which aims to ensure the best female scientists, engineers and technologists are drawn to the most progressive institutions, directly linking greater diversity to academic excellence.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Nigel Thrift, said receiving the Athena Swan Charter awards continued to show the University’s commitment to equality in the workplace.

He said: “I am extremely proud of our diverse community of staff, students and visitors, and am committed to maintaining our excellence record in teaching and research by ensuring there is equality of opportunity for all. 

“These latest awards further enhance our reputation as a leading institute for promoting women scientists, engineers and technologists.” 

In 2009 the University’s Physics department was recognised for its efforts to reduce gender inequality among staff and students through the Juno Project.

The University of Warwick and Imperial College London became the first two Physics Departments to be named Juno Champions after meeting the five principles set out in the Juno Code of Practice – a set of actions recommended by the Institute of Physics to address the under-representation of women in physics departments.

Notes for Editors

The Athena Swan Charter is funded by the Equality Challenge Unit and the UK Resource Centre for Women in SET

For more information about the Athena Swan Charter log on to www.athenaswan.org.uk.

For more information about the Juno Project log on to www.iop.org/policy/diversity/initiatives/juno/index.html.

For more details contact Luke Hamer, Assistant Press Officer, University of Warwick, on 02476 575601, or on 07824 541142, or email L.Hamer@warwick.ac.uk

PR94 24th August 2010