The increasing role that women play in science, engineering and technology disciplines at Sheffield Hallam University has been acknowledged with a major national award.

The Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre and the Department of Biosciences and Chemistry have been awarded an Athena SWAN Silver award, which recognises excellence and commitment to the career progression of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

Denise Eaton, project manager for the University's Women in Science, Engineering and Technology team, said: 'This is an excellent acknowledgement of the work Sheffield Hallam has done in recruiting and supporting women in a number of stimulating and important roles.

'Sheffield Hallam has a long tradition of providing undergraduate and postgraduate education across a wide range of science, engineering and technology disciplines, and the quality of its applied research and consultancy is recognised as playing a pivotal role in the economic and social development of the region.'

The award will allow the centre greater access to research funding.

Professor Nicola Woodroofe, head of BMRC, said: 'We were really delighted because the funding bodies only allow people to apply for funding if their department holds a silver award.

'So for us it was quite important that we got this award because then it opens up opportunities for us.'