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Equality, diversity and inclusion
Recognition for gender equality
We're proud to be the one of the first university departments in England to receive an Athena Swan Gold award, first awarded in 2014 and renewed in 2019 and 2024.
Our commitment has continued well beyond that initial milestone. We remain fully engaged with the Athena Swan Charter. Our work champions gender and carer equality, supports career progression and promotes a research culture that values work–life balance.
Find out about the action plan that we committed to as part of our Athena Swan Gold Award renewal application in 2024:
Our equality working group
Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) activities in the Department are led by the Biology Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. The group meets regularly and includes representatives from staff and student communities.
Science and scientists are international and diverse. We share our equity initiatives with colleagues to advance research and inspire excellence. Much work remains as we guide leadership toward better practice, recruit more diversity into our community and support all individuals toward professional inclusion and success.
As a department and university, we have committed ourselves to improve our collegiate culture, facilitate transparency in decision-making and advance an ambitious global outlook in all partnerships.
Dr Pegine Walrad, Senior Lecturer in Parasitology, Athena Swan Chair, Department of Biology EDI Working Group Chair and University of York EDI Champion.
Events and community engagement
Throughout the year, we actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the Department. Events such as student rep socials and International Women’s Day provide regular opportunities to engage, raise awareness and bring our community together.
Celebrating EDI leadership at the Royal Garden Party 2025
In May 2025, five remarkable colleagues from the University of York were invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their dedication, leadership and impact in education. From the Department of Biology, this included Dr Jillian Barlow, Teaching and Scholarship Senior Lecturer and Director of Generation Research (generationresearch.ac.uk).
GenerationResearch gives a helping hand to students from all backgrounds in accessing paid studentship positions across disciplines in a range of technical and research projects.
This recognition celebrates their contributions to equality, diversity and inclusion, alongside their wider educational impact. Events like this are a highlight of the year, showcasing the ways our staff and students contribute to a more inclusive and supportive academic community.
 and Dr Jillian Barlow (GenRes Founder and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology)-600x400.jpg)
Fran Morrison (Student Engagement Manager) and Dr Jillian Barlow (Generation Research Founder and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology) at the Royal Garden Party 2025.
From top left, this image includes Professor Dominique Bonnet, Flossie Wong-Staal, Dr Nicola Patron, Tu Youyou, Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, Estelle Razanatsoa, Caroline Herschel, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Dr Jess Wade and Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser.
Celebrating International Women's Day
Each year we celebrate awareness days such as International Women’s Day as part of our Athena Swan Beacon activities. In 2025, staff and students provided profiles of women in science who inspire them to produce a display for all to engage with and enjoy.
EDI principles are integral to the collegial culture within the Department of Biology and impact positively on everyone.
Professor James Chong, Head of Department.
Supporting staff and students
At York, we have various sources of support and information about equality, diversity and inclusion. Every department has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion who acts as a visible and proactive advocate of EDI within their department.
Regular events are held to raise awareness of present-day barriers and highlight ongoing work to remove such challenges across the University.
Advice, guidance and information for students, and for staff supporting students, on equality related issues.
Information about University-wide EDI initiatives, staff networks, and health and wellbeing support.