School of the Biological Sciences

Athena SWAN

The Athena SWAN Charter was launched in June 2005 to recognise and reward commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education.

Although developed to address the lack of female representation in STEMM subjects, the activities that support the Charter will contribute towards a more positive working environment for all. For more information on the history and principles of the Athena SWAN Charter please visit the Athena SWAN website.

The University of Cambridge is a founder member of the Charter and has a Bronze Award. Many of the departments and institutes within the School of the Biological Sciences are planning to submit applications for Athena SWAN Awards in 2013 and 2014 at either Bronze or Silver level.

The Award submission process

The Award application comprises a variety of data, analysed by gender, including, but not limited to: academic staff recruitment, promotion and turnover, the demographics of committees and decision-making panels, and paternity, adoption and parental leave uptake.

Analysis of the data should identify areas where women are disadvantaged and highlight existing good practice. These priorities will inform the Action Plan, which makes up a significant part of the Award application and should include success/outcome measures, the post holder responsible for each action and a timeline for completion. The plan will cover current initiatives and aspirations for the next three years.

Sample applications can be viewed on the Athena SWAN website.