Bristol’s School of Clinical Sciences has appointed Amanda Churchill, Consultant Senior Lecturer in Ophthalmology, to the new role of School Lead for Women in Science.

Dr Churchill will act as a high-profile role model for women in the School and will actively promote women’s interests. She will become a member of the School Planning and Resources Committee (SPARC) and will liaise with others involved in equality and diversity issues at both Faculty and University level. In particular she will help establish effective action planning for women’s career progression across the School.

Her appointment is linked to the School’s forthcoming application for an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network) award. Athena SWAN awards recognise commitment to advancing women's careers in science, technology, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment in higher education. Bristol’s School of Physiology and Pharmacology, already holds a Silver SWAN Award, and the School of Chemistry holds a Bronze Award.

Dr Churchill’s role, however, will be an ongoing one and she will continue to drive new activities to support women in science, medicine and other STEMM subjects beyond the Athena SWAN application.