The School of Biological Sciences is committed to providing equality of opportunity to all members, and to supporting all under-represented groups to promote an inclusive culture which values diversity.
As a community, we are working to support and align with the University’s wider initiatives on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and are actively pursuing the approaches in the ‘Race Equality: A Plan for Action’ strategy. We also promote and support the inclusion networks and equality, diversity and wellbeing initiatives available across the University.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Network
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champions Network is a cross-School collective of proactive individuals who are working across all Departments and Institutes to advocate on equality and diversity matters, as well as widening participation. The Network meet monthly to discuss relevant issues, share best practice and identify priority areas for future intervention.
Athena Swan
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
The University of Cambridge was a founder member of the Athena Swan Charter and holds Silver Athena SWAN award since 2018. Read more about the University of Cambridge Athena Swan Action Plan Updates.
Race Equality Charter
The Race Equality Charter (REC) is a national scheme that provides a framework for higher education institutions to recognise, investigate and challenge barriers to recruitment, progression and retention of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.
The University joined the Advance HE's Race Equality Charter in 2016 and received a Bronze award in November 2019. Read more about the University's Race Equality Charter Action Plan.
