Equality and diversity
In 2018, the Department of Mechanical Engineering achieved a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of its commitment to promoting gender equality.
First established in 2005, Athena SWAN encourages and recognises commitment within higher education and research organisations to advance women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).
More recently, it has expanded to include arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law.
Based on ten key principles, participating Athena SWAN institutions and departments commit to a progressive charter; adopting principles within their policies, practices, action plans and culture that will recognise the advancement of gender equality.
Building on our previous Bronze award, the Silver award recognises a significant record of activity and achievement in promoting gender equality and addressing related challenges.
In order to achieve Silver, the department was assessed against the Athena SWAN Charter to ensure that women - whether in academic, professional or support roles, or as students - were represented and that their progress into academia or in reaching career milestones was supported.
Melanie Scannell is an Athena SWAN champion in the Department for Mechanical Engineering. If you would like more information on our award, please contact her on m.scannell@sheffield.ac.uk