National award recognises commitment to women in physics

Durham University's Department of Physics has been rewarded for its commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace. The department has been awarded Juno Champion Status by the Institute of Physics (IoP) and is one of only 18 departments in the UK and Ireland to hold this award. Project Juno is a national scheme that aims to recognise and reward physics departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in physics and encourage better practice for both women and men. Supporting career progression Durham's Department of Physics, a World Top 100 department in the QS World University Rankings, was commended for its efforts in meeting a number of principles. These included appointment and selection processes and procedures that encourage men and women to apply for academic posts at all levels; supporting the career progression and promotion of all staff and enabling men and women to progress and continue in their careers; and flexible approaches that help all staff to optimise their contribution to their department and the University. Under the award, the department has also committed to working on a number of recommendations to continue to enhance equality and diversity. Equality and diversity Professor Simon Morris , Head of the Department of Physics, Durham University, said: "The Juno Champion Status recognises our commitment to equality and diversity.