Tag Archives: Athena Swan

New Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Posted on by

BU is delighted to welcome Professor Christine Maggs as the new Executive Dean of Bournemouth University’s Faculty of Science and Technology.

Christine joins BU from Queen’s University Belfast where she held the role of Head of the School of Biological Sciences and Professor of Phycology. Christine was appointed to Queen’s in 1995 and has held the roles of Lecturer, Reader and Director of Research before taking on the role of Head of the School of Biological Sciences and Professor of Phycology.

In addition to serving on a number of leadership groups and committees at the university, Christine played a critical role in the School achieving Athena Swan Gold, which recognises the commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine. Christine has also served on a Research Excellence Framework (REF) panel, advised the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is a member of the Royal Irish Academy and has an award of Excellence from the Phycological Society of America.

Christine has a strong track record in improving and maintaining a high student experience; she has a strong research profile and has engaged with organisations and businesses throughout her career.  Christine’s experience will be a huge asset to the university as we move further forward in achieving our strategic goals.

 

Athena SWAN Charter holds talks at BU

Posted on by

The Athena SWAN Charter commenced a series of talks at BU last week.

The charter is dedicated to improving recognition for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine and Mathematics (STEMM) academia.

Guest speakers included members from Queen’s University in Belfast, with the discussion covering key topics that are high on the list of the Athena SWAN agenda.

Hosted by Vice Chancellor Professor John Vinney, among the many issues debated was the notion of ‘unconscious bias’ and gender inequality.

Equal Opportunities Officer for Queen’s University, Jane Garvey, gave some background as to the visit from Queen’s to BU.

“Queen’s have been involved with Athena SWAN since its conception and we were invited by Bournemouth University to share our experience.

“Bournemouth is off to a good start with the application for the Athena Bronze Award, and that sets a foundation for a potentially successful journey.”

The second guest speaker was the Director of the Queen’s Gender Initiative, Professor Teresa McCormack.

Professor McCormack, who has chaired the SWAN Champions group of representatives from academic schools in Queen’s, is also known for her work with the Athena SWAN awards, promoting gender equality in the sciences and engineering.

Professor McCormack gave her take on what the Athena SWAN Initiative is hoping to achieve.

“I think that the whole ethos that surrounds the Athena Swan process is one that does not want to discriminate against men or devalue their contribution in anyway.

“It’s about making a fair workplace for everybody. We know that there are balances that need to be addressed at the senior levels of management in academia, but a lot of our work actually focuses on creating an equal working environment for both men and women to thrive in.”

BU started the journey to Athena SWAN accreditation in December 2012 and has now completed the application for a Bronze Award.

More details about BU’s work with Athena SWAN