UCL Biochemical Engineering Awarded Athena Swan Gold

Recognising Our Commitment to Gender Equality

The Athena Swan Charter, established to advance gender equality in higher education, acknowledges institutions that take concrete action to address barriers to inclusion and representation. Receiving Gold is a prestigious recognition of our department’s sustained efforts in driving change, implementing best practices, and fostering an inclusive academic environment.

Led by our Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT), this award recognises the dedication and culture embedded within the department and its commitment to gender equality. It is also testament of the efforts from staff and students across the department who have worked passionately to instil equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into our teaching, research and operational activities. From data collection and policy reviews to action planning and implementation, this success represents a truly collective effort.

Leadership Behind the Athena Swan Application

This award would not have been possible without the leadership and expertise of our Core SAT members, who played a pivotal role in shaping the application and ensuring its impact:

• Academic Lead: Professor Qasim Rafiq
• Head of Department: Professor Suzanne Farid
• EDI Committee Chair: Dr Chika Nweke
• Representative of Academic Staff: Dr Duygu Dikicioglu
• Representatives of Teaching Staff: Dr Rana Khalife & Dr Mohammed Jaffar 
• Departmental Manager: Elizabeth Powell

Their dedication ensured that our work on gender equality was rigorously assessed and meaningfully recognised.

Professor Qasim Rafiq, Academic Lead for Athena Swan SAT, said:

"This award is a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of our Athena Swan team and the wider department. Achieving Gold reflects the collective effort to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into our culture, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. I want to personally thank every member of the team for their contributions in shaping a more inclusive environment. This recognition is an important milestone, but our goal is not just to achieve Gold, rather it is to sustain and build upon these practices so that we can continue to drive meaningful change, act as a beacon for others, and retain this recognition in the years to come."

Professor Suzy Farid, Head of Department, added:

“UCL Biochemical Engineering’s Gold Award means so much because it reflects who we are as a department. We’ve built a culture where diversity strengthens innovation, opportunities are open to all, and gender equality is something we actively champion every day. Achieving Gold is a huge moment for us, and I’m so proud of the incredible team effort behind it. We’ll keep pushing for progress, supporting each other, and making sure our department remains a place where everyone can thrive.”

Dr Chika Nweke, Chair of the EDI Committee, said:

“Our department has long been committed to inclusion and equity so it is great that these attributes have been recognised through the Athena Swan Gold Award. Looking forward, the goal is to build on what we have put in place to ensure the continuance of our good practices. A massive congratulations to all members of the SAT and the wider department!”

UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said: 

“This is a fantastic recognition of UCL Biochemical Engineering’s leadership in gender equality. This is UCL’s sixth Athena Swan Gold Award.  My warmest congratulations to the department for this outstanding achievement.”

Looking Ahead

This award is an opportunity to celebrate progress, but also to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality. The department will continue to implement the Athena Swan Action Plan, ensuring that we build on this momentum to deliver lasting and meaningful change.

Find out more

• Athena Swan at UCL Biochemical Engineering