Equality and inclusion

ISER is committed to ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for all our colleagues. We want all our staff and students to treat each other with respect and to feel they are an integral part of the ISER community, where everyone can contribute to university life, knowledge and growth.

“I am proud to work with so many outstanding colleagues, so many of whom are women. I am absolutely committed to ensuring ISER remains a place that fosters the sort of environment that leads to equality of opportunity and a positive culture for everyone.”Professor Emily Grundy

The Athena SWAN Charter

Athena Swan logo

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education and research. The University of Essex obtained an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award in November 2013 and renewed it in November 2017. In May 2015, the charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), and in professional and support roles, and for trans staff and students. The charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.

ISER was awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in March 2022

Women in ISER

Over half of our professors, half of our research staff and half of our PhD students are female. The majority of our professional services staff, involved in a wide range of management, administrative support, communications and survey and data systems roles, are also female. Go to our staff page to find out more about the talented women in our department.

ISER’s Self-Assessment Team

Our Athena SWAN application was put together by the Self-Assessment Team. It was led by Cara Booker together with Alita Nandi, Paul Clarke, Peter Lynn, Angus Holford, Angela Newsam Violetta Parutis, Larissa Pople, Patryk Bronka and Emilia Del Bono.

Self assessment team

Resources for staff and students

There are a wide range of opportunities, resources, and support networks, both within and outside the university, available to our staff and students.