University awarded for gender equality

Gender equality at Sheffield Hallam University has been recognised again with two more Athena SWAN awards, given for the University's commitment to good practice in recruitment, retention and progression of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

The University's departments of architecture and planning, and engineering and mathematics have both received Athena SWAN Bronze Awards in recognition of their commitment to support the career progression of their female staff and students.

A total of four Sheffield Hallam departments have now been recognised with Athena awards. Last year, academics from the University's Biomedical Research Centre and department of biosciences were awarded a silver department award, and the psychology group was given a bronze department award.

Professor Karen Bryan, pro vice-chancellor for the faculty of Health and Wellbeing at the University and Athena SWAN Executive Champion, said: "We are very pleased to have added these two awards to our existing silver and bronze for biosciences and psychology respectively, and we hope to build on this success with more STEM departments applying soon.

"It is important to remember that improving retention and progression benefits all staff, not just women. We have built a strong relationship with colleagues at Silver Award-winning Queen's University Belfast on promoting gender equality over the last year, and we have learned a lot from their approach."

For press information contact: Joe Field on 0114 225 2621 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk