The School of Cellular Molecular Medicine has been awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of their efforts towards advancing gender equality in higher education and research. Advance HE’s Athena Swan charter is an internationally-recognised gender equality initiative. It relates to representation, progression and improving the working environment for all gender identities in academic roles as well as professional, managerial and support staff roles.
Professor Anne Ridley, Head of School commented on the achievement, saying:
“I am delighted that the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine has received a Silver Athena Swan award. This reflects the fantastic and sustained teamwork of our EDI committee, with every member contributing their own unique skills and insight over the last few years.
Everyone in our School has been important in attaining this Silver award through their roles in improving our culture, community, careers, and communications. We are especially grateful to our two School Athena Swan and EDI leads, Kathy Purdy and Bronwen Burton, who drove the writing of our application to Athena Swan and pushed it over the finishing line.”
The Athena Swan charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing gender equality in academia. The Silver award is given where evidence demonstrates the impact of actions to address previously identified gender equality challenges, as well as an ongoing commitment to promoting gender equality.
Dr Bronwen Burton, Co-Chair of the Cellular and Molecular Medicine EDI Committee commented:
“This award reflects the dedication of the CMM EDI committee and the wider CMM community in working to make our workplace and research culture more inclusive. Addressing the action plan submitted as part of our Bronze Award has been a real catalyst for change, and we will continue to drive progress as we work on the new action plan set out in our successful Silver application. Our key priorities include supporting academic, professional services and technical staff as well as students, including considering the intersection of gender and other factors, where possible.”
Receiving the Silver Athena Swan award is a fantastic achievement for the School and demonstrates their ongoing commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of their academic community. The School was awarded an Athena Swan Bronze award in 2019, progressing to a Silver award in just four years.
For questions relating to the Athena Swan Charter at the University of Bristol please contact the Staff Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team.