A more inclusive Mathematics Institute

Meet Professor Marie-Therese Wolfram, whose innovative work towards gender equality in Warwick's Mathematics Institute has led to a win at our Gender Equality Awards.

Marie-Therese has campaigned tirelessly to improve Warwick Maths' gender balance, while simultaneously making sure that current female colleagues feel part of a network of women. She has:

• improved processes for recruitment;
• developed a new ‘diversity in hiring’ document;
• created a new ‘diversity database’ to attract a more representative pool of applicants, while engaging with networks of women mathematicians to promote these roles.

Tell us about your award-winning work...

Marie-Therese: "Warwick Maths had a single female full professor when I joined as an assistant professor back in 2016. Together with colleagues we developed hiring guidelines over the last years, to ensure that we increase the diversity of our applicant pool and make the selection process more transparent and less biased.

We also tried to make the department more inclusive and support colleagues from underrepresented groups in their professional development.

At the moment Warwick Maths has six female professors - so our numbers did improve over the last years, which we're very proud of. That said, we know that we're still below the national average, so there's lots of work to do."

The judges of the Gender Equality Awards said:

"This was an excellent submission, clearly demonstrating impact. It was obvious that Marie-Therese is taking colleagues on this journey to make change. The work has made a clear impact on recruitment practices (and, consequently, staff gender diversity) in a traditionally male-dominated area and is an example of good practice that could translate to and be replicated in other departments as a model that can help to address issues of diversity in very competitive environments. It is fantastic to see this put into practice. An absolute winner!"

What would you say to staff members who are looking to get involved in gender equality work at Warwick?

Marie-Therese: "I got involved in equality, diversion and inclusion (EDI) matters from the very beginning, and I am currently co-chairing the EDI committee in Warwick Maths. We are happy if anyone wants to get involved and comes with new suggestions. There are plenty of opportunities for students, Professional Services staff and academic staff - I would have a chat with the EDI representatives in the respective departments. I am sure they welcome new initiatives and input."

What's one thing you wish people knew about your work or its themes?

Marie-Therese: "That there is still lots to do. Warwick Maths is mostly white and male - and even though things are changing, they change slowly. I'm sitting on way too many committees (because I am one of the few senior female academics), and it happens quite regularly that I am speaking at conferences where only 10 to 15 percent of the speakers or participants are women."

What's the most rewarding thing about your work?

Marie-Therese: "The work and discussions with my colleagues in Warwick Maths. I can count myself lucky to have the support of amazing professional services and academic colleagues. Without their support and friendship this would have not been possible."