UEL School wins gender equality prize

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Published

19 August 2021

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The University of East London's School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering (ACE) has been recognised for its commitment to gender equality and inclusivity with an Athena SWAN Bronze award.

The award recognises commitment in promoting gender equality and overcoming barriers to inclusivity for their staff and students.

This award is fantastic news for the school and evidence of our dedication to further embed and promote the principles of the Athena SWAN charter in all areas of our activities.

"I'm looking forward to continuing work with colleagues to build on the excellent progress we have made in creating a positive and inclusive environment in which our school community can thrive,"

Dr David Tann, dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering at UEL, said.

The University earned an institutional Athena SWAN Bronze award in 2017. Its School of Psychology received the recognition in 2018. In 2020, the University of East London was also ranked 2nd in the world (1st in the UK) in reducing inequalities and 2nd in the UK on gender equality (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2020).

Vice-Chancellor and president, Professor Amanda Broderick, said, "STEM subjects still have much work to do in driving forward the equality agenda. I am, therefore, delighted that our school of Architecture, Computing and Engineering has achieved Athena SWAN recognition.

"This comes at a time when the University has recently been recognised as 2nd in the world and 1st in the UK in reducing inequalities in the Times Higher Education global impact rankings. The recognition highlights the ongoing commitment of the University of East London to promoting equality in higher education and providing opportunities for all students and staff. This is a key priority for us and an integral part of our 10-year strategy, Vision 2028."

Professor Marcia Wilson, dean of the Office for Institutional Equity, said, "The University has a responsibility to create a culture that is both diverse and inclusive, as well as one that inspires. It is fantastic to see ACE champion equality and positively impact the University community."

Athena SWAN is a charter, established in 2005 and managed by Advance HE's Equality Challenge Unit, which supports and encourages universities to work towards gender equality. Higher education institutions which join Athena SWAN commit to adopting the charter's principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture. 

Louise Todd and Dr Fadi Safieddine, who co-chaired the self-assessment team for the ACE application, said in a joint statement, "Through our work, we aim for a significant cultural change in promoting gender equality in arts, engineering, computing and architecture. We are committed to supporting our colleagues and the school towards our next stage - silver awards."

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