A global scheme used to support gender equality within universities and research institutes has just awarded Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) its Bronze award. The award came on International Women’s Day 2022 as an Athena Swan assessment panel awarded QIB Bronze status for the next five years.

Professor Cynthia Whitchurch, academic lead for the Athena Swan submission, said: “It’s great to get this award through the Athena Swan Charter. It is a really positive start for what is still a young research institute and I know it’s involved a great deal of work across the organisation.

“Many thanks to everyone involved in the assessment process and we’ll look forward to working on our action plan over the next few years. Our Athena Swan Bronze award is an important recognition that we are committed to being a science centre that values and encourages inclusivity and equality for all.”

The Athena Swan Charter, managed by Advance HE, is a framework used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research:

• helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives
• assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
• uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice
• supports the promotion of inclusive working practices that can increase retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating an institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment

Director of the Quadram Institute, Professor Ian Charles, said: “This is an important milestone for us and I’m delighted the assessment panel judged that we’d met the Athena Swan Bronze standard. Many thanks to everyone who has been involved in the assessment process.”