Women in Science
The School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics aims to provide a supportive working environment that encourages all members of staff to fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions.
Advancing women's careers in university mathematics
The School supports the London Mathematical Society's Good Practice Scheme. This means we actively advance women's careers in university mathematics. We're committed to achieving an improved gender balance at all levels of academic and research staff.
We aim to provide a supportive working environment. We encourage all members of staff to fulfil their potential and achieve their ambitions. We support flexible and part-time working. Where possible, we arrange departmental meetings within core hours.
We provide mentoring for new staff and post-docs. We monitor individuals' career progression. We aim to identify and encourage candidates for promotion.
Athena SWAN
The Athena SWAN Charter recognises institutions committed to supporting the advancement of gender equality. This means representation, progression and success for all.
The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005. It aims 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.
In May 2015 it expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL). It also covers 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.
Bronze Athena SWAN award
In October 2019, the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics achieved a Bronze Athena SWAN award. This recognised good practice in promoting gender equality. The School is continuing to work with the Charter, and is currently preparing an application for a Silver award, to be submitted in November 2024.
Details of our Athena Swan bid (PDF 1.7MB)
Newcastle University currently holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award at university-level and 18 departmental awards.
Women's Health
Women are being encouraged to share their experiences of the health and care system via a call for evidence aimed at improving healthcare for women.
- To mark International Women’s Day, the government is launching a 12-week call for evidence to better understand women’s experiences of the health and care system
- All women are urged to share their experiences to form the basis of a new Women’s Health Strategy
- The strategy will set an ambitious and positive new agenda to improve health and wellbeing and ensure health services are meeting the needs of women
We're working to ensure that science is seen as an attractive career route for women, and we're helping tackle the unequal representation of women in academic positions.