Silver status conferred upon Institute
Published: 18 May 2020
We are delighted to announce that the Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation has been successful in its application for a prestigious Athena SWAN Silver Departmental Award.
The Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation is proud to announce that we have been successful in our application for a prestigious Athena SWAN Silver Departmental Award.
The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to recognise and promote the careers of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM).
Managed by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), Athena Swan awards recognise commitment to tackling gender inequality in higher education.
After achieving Bronze status in 2016, the Institute’s self-assessment team (SAT) began working towards attaining a Silver award.
Submitted in December 2019, we were thrilled to receive notification from the Equality Charters Team advising that the application had been successful and a Silver award had been conferred.
Institute Director Professor Iain McInnes said: "I am delighted to let you all know the fantastic news that iii has been successful in its bid for a Silver Athena SWAN award.
"I’d like to thank our Athena SWAN self assessment team who have been ably supported by the college Athena SWAN team. Their hard work and commitment over the last three years has led to this success.
"The application for the Silver Award mirrors our community of admin, research, support and technical staff and students who all contribute to the success of our Institute.
"Attached here is a summary of the application and the plans we have for the next three years as we continue to strive towards a more supportive and inclusive working environment.
"The current situation is affecting how all of us live our lives and manage our jobs, and I believe everyone’s first priority should be to themselves, their family and loved ones.
"It is perhaps a more important time than ever, therefore, to consider how best the Institute’s Athena SWAN team can support institute staff and students.
"The SAT team will be meeting to discuss how best to adapt iii’s Athena SWAN action plan to our current way of working.
"I have no doubt that the team will continue to initiate a programme that improves our communication, career support, and inclusivity in these challenging times.
"Thank you again to the Athena SWAN team and to all of you who have contributed to our success through surveys, discussion groups, workshops and the mentorship scheme."
First published: 18 May 2020