Our Mission
At the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences (SPCS) we strive to ensure that all members of our community - students, staff and visitors - can achieve their full potential, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee plays a central role in this work. The committee meets regularly to review data, listen to lived experiences, and lead improvements across teaching, research, recruitment, governance, and culture.
What We Have Achieved So Far
We have made strong progress in creating a more inclusive and equitable School:
- Improved Gender Balance: The proportion of women in our undergraduate programmes has grown from 33% to 38%, with women continuing to achieve at the highest levels.
- Widening Participation: Our Foundation programme is one of our most diverse entry routes, with 56% women and 80% students from BAME backgrounds.
- Supporting Staff Progression: Women achieved a 100% success rate in academic promotions, and strengthened flexible working policies have helped raise work-life satisfaction from 53% to 65%.
- Strengthening Research Culture: Women now make up 38% of new research fellow appointments, and 30% of our postdoctoral researchers.
- Enhancing Culture and Belonging: Recognition that “diversity is valued” has risen from 59% to 76%; all School events are now designed to be inclusive; and we proudly support the Women and Queer People in Physics (WQPP) society.
Our EDI Priorities
Five pillars guiding our work:
- Representation: Expanding opportunities and progression for women and underrepresented groups.
- Better Data: Using transparent data to inform decisions and track change.
- Inclusive Governance: Ensuring EDI leadership and accountability across all School committees.
- Experience and Wellbeing: Creating a welcoming culture with inclusive activities and strong community networks.
- Education and Research: Embedding inclusion in our curriculum, seminars, and career development pathways.