LCN Athena Swan

The London Centre for Nanotechnology is committed to the principles and beliefs of the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) Athena Swan Charter and we have begun the process of applying for an Athena Swan Bronze Award.

ECU’s Athena SWAN Charter encourages and recognises advancement of gender equality in STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine), and has expanded to recognise work undertaken in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students.

The Athena SWAN awards process enables university departments to develop an action plan aimed at improving recruitment, retention and promotion of diversity among its staff, and with a growing focus on Athena Swan as a prerequisite for research funding, it has significant financial implications.

In order to maintain research excellence and stay competitive in an ever-changing field, it is crucial that the LCN is a supportive working environment conducive to career progression, and reaches as wide and diverse a talent pool as possible. Equality and diversity initiatives such as Athena Swan are crucial to achieving these aims and we are dedicated to ensuring the LCN is a place of equal opportunities for all.

The LCN Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (SAT) was formed on a voluntary basis and currently has 14 members, with balanced representation across gender, age, academic positions and training, research disciplines and support staff. The SAT also benefits from Harriet Jones (UCL’s central Policy and Athena Swan departments), who has an advisory role.

A full list of SAT members can be found below:

Related links:

The Royal Society: Diversity in Science