Equality award for Physics

The School of Physics & Astronomy has been awarded prestigious Juno Champion status by the Institute of Physics (IOP), recognising its commitment to gender equality.

Champion status is the highest level of achievement possible in Project Juno - the IOP code of practice established in 2007 to address the underrepresentation of women in university physics.

The School becomes Scotland's second Juno Champion and one of just nine UK university physics departments to be recognised in this way.

This award reflects the widespread desire within the School to ensure that in our pursuit of excellence we enable all to flourish. I am really pleased by the steps that we have taken and the commitment that everyone has shown to win us this prestigious award.

Code of practice

Making the award, the IOP highlighted the clear and strong commitment of senior management to equality and diversity in the workplace, and particularly applauded the School’s progress in redressing historical gender imbalances.

Champion status is awarded to university physics departments that can demonstrate progress against principles in the Juno code of practice designed to tackle gender inequality and improve the working culture. These include:

• equality of opportunity and reward;
• selection procedures and career progression;
• management arrangements and culture; and
• flexible working practices.