EPS awarded Athena Swan Silver for commitments to gender equality
The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences has been awarded the prestigious Athena Swan Silver certification in recognition of its ongoing commitment to gender equality.
EPS was honoured by Advance HE, which governs the scheme, because of their efforts to create an inclusive working environment through initiatives that support and retain talented staff across academic, professional, and support roles.
The Athena Swan Charter was established to help institutions like Leeds meet both equality legislation and the expectations of research funders by utilising a rigorous self-assessment framework. This allows higher education establishments to identify areas for improvement, implement meaningful change, and share examples of best practice.
Athena Swan’s Silver award reflects Leeds’ continued dedication to embedding gender equality in its working culture and demonstrates its desire to build a fair and supportive academic community.
Professor Louise Jennings of the School of Mechanical Engineering, who leads the EDI+ Hub initiative, said: “This award acknowledges the collaborative spirit across our Faculty and the dedication of our team to improving gender equality. It’s a celebration of our culture change efforts and motivates us to create an ever-better environment where everyone can thrive.”
Professor Nora de Leeuw, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, added: “Our Athena Swan recognition reflects the tireless work of many individuals across EPS, such as Louise, who believe in making academia more inclusive. It reflects the values we uphold in both leadership and day-to-day practice, and I'm proud to lead a Faculty where equality is baked into everything we do.”
Further information
- Learn more about the Athena Swan Charter at Advance HE.
- For media enquiries, please contact Faculty Communications Manager Matt Gardner at M.D.Gardner@leeds.ac.uk.
