Athena SWAN: Celebrating diversity in science
The UCL Division of Infection and Immunity are proud holders of a Silver Athena SWAN award, in recognition of our commitment to tackling gender inequality in higher education.
Launched in 2005, the Athena SWAN Charter was established to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research. In May 2015 the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. Athena SWAN now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. Our Silver Award reflects our commitment to creating an environment that encourages equality of opportunity for all its staff.
How we promote equality
The Division is firmly committed to the principles and beliefs of the Athena SWAN Charter. The Division continually seeks to incorporate the ideals of gender equality through a number of initiatives for our staff and students, including:
- Mentorship scheme for all members of staff
- Career development postdoctoral innovation award
- Career awareness campaigns for staff and students
- Maternity/paternity fund for staff
- Equality, diversity and inclusion training for staff and students.
Importantly, we are committed to equality for all and use the substantial learning we have made from our Athena Swan work to develop an EDI strategy that works for all members of our Division.
Further details about our initiatives are available on our staff development and opportunities page.
Our Self-Assessment Team
Our Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT) has a diverse membership of male and female academics, research and teaching staff, professional services staff and students. The SAT discuss, implement, promote and monitor initiatives aimed at improving the working environment for our staff and students. Current members of our SAT are listed below:
Co-Chairs: Dr Matthew Reeves, Dr Laura Pallett
Division Director: Professor Emma Morris
Academic Staff: Dr Anne Pesenacker, Professor Ben Seddon, Dr Rebecca Lester, Dr Milica Vukmanovic-Stejic, Dr Leo Swadling, Dr Jennifer Cowan, Dr Andreas Mayer
Postdoctoral staff: Dr Scott Layzell, Dr Mariana Diniz, Dr Linzy Elton, Dr Matt Whelan, Dr Cayman Williams, Dr Anna Grisenko
PhD students (clinical and non-clinical): Ines Hofer, Dr Kate Orf, Dr Jesmeen Maimaris,
Professional and technical Staff: Dr Steven Heggie, Janani Sivakumaran Nguyen, Joe McDowell, Jess Fairchild
