Project Juno and Athena Swan Silver Awards

Project Juno is an award scheme run by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for organisations to demonstrate that they have taken action to address gender equality at all levels and foster an inclusive working environment. Specially created for the physics community, the award scheme requires significant evidence, commitment and demonstration of long-term improvements made by applicants.

We are delighted to announce that the School of Physics has been awarded the highest level of Juno award, Juno Champion, in recognition of the School's hard work and dedication to promoting gender equality and other forms of diversity and inclusion within their environment. The Juno Champion award also meets the criteria for an Athena Swan Silver Award, which was conferred to the School by Advance HE on 1 September 2023.

Feedback from the Juno panel particularly noted the commitment of the Head of School in progressing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) within the School. The panel noted the significant amount of activity and facilities to increase inclusive culture, the implementation of a transparent workload allocation model and the impressive approach to flexible working and the high numbers of staff feeling respected within the School.

On the news:

Professor Jennifer McManus, Head of School of Physics, commented: “We are delighted that our efforts to make the School of Physics an inclusive place to work and study have been recognised by the IOP and Athena Swan. Huge thanks go to our EDI committee who have worked alongside all staff in the School over the last few years to progress our Juno Action Plan."

Professor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, added: “I am delighted that the School of Physics’ commitment to equality has been recognised with the Juno Champion Award and Athena Swan Silver status. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the great teamwork of colleagues in Physics. Huge congratulations to all involved. We look forward to further equality developments in the future.”

Further information

Project Juno is a flagship gender equality award for university Schools of Physics and is run by the Institute of Physics. For more information, please visit the Project Juno Website.

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework designed to support and transform gender equality within Higher Education. Awards are made to institutions in recognition of their commitment to promoting gender equality. More information on the Charter can be found on the Athena Swan Charter Website.