University honoured for women in sciences

The university has been presented with the Athena SWAN bronze award, which recognises commitment to the career progression of women in science, engineering and technology departments.

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.

"With female representation on the university's senior management team at 30 per cent, and with three faculties having female deans, Sheffield Hallam is ahead of the national picture in relation to women at senior levels."

Ms Eaton added: "The visibility of these senior women needs to be raised to encourage further progression, and the university has committed to introducing a 'role model' project to tackle this issue."

Sarah Hawkes, the charter coordinator, said: "World-class science, engineering and technology research is key for the prosperity of not only the higher education sector, but also the wider British economy. Science cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of the whole population, and until women and men can benefit equally from the opportunities it affords."