Athena Swan
Physics and Astronomy holds an Athena SWAN Silver award from Advance HE, which recognises our commitment to tackling gender inequality. An applied set of core values, improved recruitment processes and positive public engagement and outreach are among the practices that helped us achieve this status. Our silver award submission demonstrated how good practice is being implemented for everyone in the School, from undergraduate and postgraduate students through to all job families and levels. For example, we have invested in a baby-changing and breast-feeding room and we are tackling gender stereotyping in schools through our outreach programme.
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is responsible for coordinating the School's Athena Swan applications. The University also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award.
Physics and Astronomy is also home to a highly active Women’s Physics Network, which was recognised for its ‘exceptional contribution’ with a Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2017.
You can read our 2018 submission as well as our detailed action plan, at https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/AthenaSwan
Juno Champion Award
Project Juno is the Institute of Physics scheme that recognises departments that demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in university physics, and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
We were awarded Project Juno Champion status in 2019, which recognises the actions we’re taking to address the under-representation of women in Physics and Astronomy. The status acknowledges the effectiveness of several initiatives that are creating an equitable working culture, in which students and staff can achieve their full potential. We endorse the six Project Juno Principles, and will now work towards Excellence status.
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is responsible for coordinating our Project Juno applications.
Gender Equality Network in the European Research Area (GENERA)
GENERA is a Horizon 2020 project aiming at continuing, monitoring and improving the Gender Equality Plans of Research Institutions and Organisations specifically in the physics research field. These three actions are performed by a Consortium of 13 beneficiary partner Research Performing and Research Funding Organisations and a number of associate partners and observers. Our department signed the GENERA memorandum of understanding in 2018.