Brunel University has achieved an Athena SWAN Bronze award for its efforts to promote the equal representation of women in science-related subjects.
To achieve the award, the University had to demonstrate a commitment to addressing the under-representation of female academic and research staff in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. This included showing evidence of good practice, developing appropriate initiatives and policies, and reporting institutional data.
Achieving the award will help Brunel to promote its equality agenda, and will have a significant, positive impact on the University's 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission. The award will also strengthen our position in future funding applications, in which there is an increasing expectation from UK funding agencies to demonstrate the implementation of robust equality strategies.
Brunel has been a Member Institution of the Athena SWAN Charter network, managed by the Equality Challenge Unit, since 2005. A total of 42 universities have received a Bronze award since the scheme began.
The accolade, which is valid until 2015, will be presented at a ceremony to be held at Queen's University Belfast on Wednesday 26 September 2012.