Uni praised for women policies (From York Press)

Uni praised for women policies

3:00pm Friday 14th September 2007

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BOFFINS at the University of York are celebrating after being handed a gold standard for their support of women scientists.

In the week that the BA Festival of Science has come to the city, the chemistry department at the university has become the first in the UK to win the Athena Swan gold award for its commitment to women in science.

The department has won the national accolade - funded jointly by the UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC) and Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) - in recognition of its success in providing support to women to rise to senior levels, enabling the university to make greater use of their talents.

The university's department of psychology has also won a silver Athena Swan award, the first in the country to do so. The accolades make York the only university to hold three departmental silver Athena Swan awards.

The departments of biology and chemistry won silver awards in March this year and the university as a whole also holds the Athena Swan bronze award.

Universities subscribing to the Athena Swan Charter are eligible for the Swan awards, which assess UK universities in their role as science employers and mark their progress.

The areas assessed include the number and position of women academics, positive support for women at key career transition points, culture and gender balance in decision making and work-life balance practices.

The further recognition of York's success in providing career paths for women scientists was announced by UKRC and ECU as part of the latest round of Athena Swan awards.

Professor Paul Walton, head of the department of chemistry, said: "We are reaping the rewards of years of commitment to the Athena Swan principles.

"Women chemists at York - whether undergraduates or professors - are confident that their careers are treated seriously. We have a high proportion of senior women academic staff and a great awareness of potential obstacles to career progress.

"The talents and contributions of all our students and staff are valued equally."

Professor Graham Hitch, head of the department of psychology, added: "We are committed to providing better career oppor- tunities for women.

"This award recognises our dedication to the goal of removing barriers to women in science, helping us to make the most of the talents of our staff."

He said the university is committed to removing the barriers to women's progress in science, engineering and technology.

It is working to attract women into science, both in academic and technical capacities.

It is seeking to retain those women who might otherwise leave by introducing more flexibility into the workforce - and, at the same time, creating a better work environment for all staff.

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