The OU Department of Physical Sciences receives top diversity award

Posted on 5 February 2016 • Science

The OU Department of Physical Sciences is one of just two departments from UK universities to receive a top award this week for its dedication to diversity and equality.

The Institute of Physics’ (IOP) Project Juno Champion award recognises and rewards departments that promote gender equality. The OU Department of Physical Sciences has demonstrated its commitment to improving the representation and support of women from undergraduate to professor level, embedding the Project Juno principles through all aspects of the Department.

As a leading scientific society, the IOP aims to engage the general public, policymakers, and the public in academic research and developments in physics.

Head of the Department of Physical Sciences, Dr Sally Jordan, said:

I am thrilled that our work to improve equality and diversity across the Department has been recognised in this way. This award acknowledges the huge progress that we have made, and our growing influence on others; we will continue to work to improve the opportunities and support that we provide for all our staff and students.

I am extremely grateful to the Department’s Juno Team for leading our work in this area, in particular the co-chairs Dr Victoria Pearson and Dr Matt Balme.

Head of Diversity at the Institute of Physics, Jennifer Dyer, said:

“The institute is delighted that The Open University has joined our list of Juno Champions, bringing the total number of Juno Champions to 15.

“The OU has worked tirelessly to embed gender equality into its physics environments and we congratulate all those involved in this achievement. Project Juno continues to deliver real results, demonstrating the efforts that physics departments are taking to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”