International Women's Day 2016

As an academic institution we are committed to promoting gender equality that recognises, promotes and rewards the contribution of women in academia.

Since 2008 the number of female academics at EDI has doubled to well over the national average and 50% have been promoted to the post of senior lecturer or above.

We have dedicated considerable resources to improving the opportunities, work-life balance and careers of women – as recognised by our Bronze Athena Swan award.

UCL Eastman Director, Stephen Porter, said: “The success of any academic institute rests upon a workforce that works well together and acknowledges that each staff member has individual strengths and needs.

“Over half of our taught and research postgraduates are women and the creation this year of a Centre for Postgraduate Research is designed to ensure that we gain similar improvements in PhD female percentages.

“We are committed to achieving an environment that maximises the opportunities for all staff, regardless of their gender, age, seniority, expertise or caring responsibilities.”

Some of our leading ladies

Professor Anne Young

Researcher Anne Young, Professor of Biomaterials, is developing new materials for repair of tooth and bone.

Anne said: “I enjoy being able to develop solutions to medical problems that affect the majority of the world’s population. I love the complexity of the problems, being able to work with people with multiple clinical, scientific and industrial backgrounds and the continuing need to learn

“I’m pleased to be a part of a team which wants to actively identify and remove any inequality in our workforce to maximise their ability to excel.”

Dr Susan Parekh

Dr Susan Parekh is Programme Coordinator for the DDent in Paediatric Dentistry and Programme Director for the PG Certificate in Paediatric Dentistry.

Susan said “In 2014, we co-created the first online MSc in Paediatric dentistry. The flexibility of this programme is beneficial for women wanting to balance home and work life.

“I enjoy the variety in my job: my week varies between treating child patients, teaching postgraduate students and undertaking research. I also give talks at various locations and represent UCL and the speciality of paediatric dentistry at various meetings - so no two weeks really are the same.”

Dr Elaine Allan

Dr Elaine Allan is a Senior Lecture in Microbial diseases within our Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering research department.

Elaine said: "I have always been fascinated by how bacteria use signals from their environment to control their behavior.

“For me, generating basic knowledge and then applying this to real world challenges is the best part of my current job.

“Teaching microbiology and trying to inspire the next generation of female scientists through outreach activities is another part that is immensely satisfying.

Wendy Xia

Postdoctoral fellow Wendy Xia, is working on the production of easy-to-use restorative materials for painless tooth restoration in children.

Wendy said: “In previous physical sciences positions I’ve had fewer female colleagues as this discipline tends to be male-dominated. But at EDI, the greater gender balance makes it a more pleasant place to work that is very female-friendly.

“I enjoy my current research and working at Eastman because its challenging and multi-disciplinary – it brings together physical scientists, engineers, clinicians, biologists and industrialists - and the environment is dynamic and full of optimism."