Published:
The School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) has been awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze Award. The Athena SWAN Charter's Award Scheme recognises the commitment of organisations to address gender inequality in higher education.
The disciplines within the School, including engineering and physics, need focussed attention to challenge stereotypes and eradicate gender inequality.
The award to EPS brings the University's total award count to three, with Bronze awards held by the University and the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences as well as EPS. Whilst the University award focuses on consideration of broader institutional issues, the School awards allow consideration of local and discipline-specific issues.
University Athena SWAN Champion Professor Gill Hogg said, “This Athena SWAN Bronze Award formally recognises the commitment and dedication to do things differently within EPS. Our special thanks go to team lead Professor Rory Duncan, ably supported by Alex Peden and Helen Ovens and the EPS Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team, for their unstinting hard work to get to this stage.”
Focussed attention
The Principal, Professor Richard Williams said, “I am delighted to see EPS receive an Athena SWAN Bronze award. The disciplines within the School, including engineering and physics, need focussed attention to challenge stereotypes and eradicate gender inequality. This award demonstrates the groundwork that will put us on the right trajectory. All of the Schools have my support in tackling these issues and making Heriot-Watt a place where all people can truly thrive.”
Heriot-Watt's School of School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society made a submission for its own award in November 2015, and the School of Management of Languages will apply in April 2016.