Equality and Diversity at The Department of Engineering Science
Equality and Diversity in Engineering
We aim to provide a supportive and inspiring environment for people to work and study at the Department, by valuing our diverse workforce and promoting equality throughout the department.
Professor Clive Siviour, Head of Department
“A diverse community in which all feel comfortable and empowered to engage and contribute results in better scholarship, and better outcomes for all.”
ED&I Fellow: Garrett Deceuninck
Divisional Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I) Fellows work with the Maths, Physics & Life Sciences Division to champion ED&I for the Division. More information.
Garrett says, "I have some training in counselling and a particular interest in supporting people with mental health conditions and neurodivergence as I have personal experiences of the challenges that can come with them. If I can help even one person who may feel like they don’t belong, I’ll know that my efforts have been worth it."
Athena SWAN and WISE
The Department of Engineering Science has been awarded a bronze award from Athena SWAN each year since 2012. This award recognises the Department's commitment to the Athena SWAN goal of advancing women’s careers in STEMM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine).
Women in Engineering network
The network was established by the Department in 2012 for researchers, students, and academic staff. It has evolved into a dynamic, supportive community of female engineers across many disciplines and career stages. Each year the network puts on a series of events, talks and lectures, and organises a celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) in June.
Researchers
Research is a core component of the Department and we highly value the input and different perspectives afforded by our diverse research community. Read about the varied backgrounds and career paths of some of our current researchers.
Outreach
The Department is committed to supporting access to education and careers in Engineering at Oxford for a diverse student body. We take part in initiatives such as UNIQ, a summer school for state school and college students who attend lectures and labs, are taught by Oxford academics and use departmental facilities. We also run Uncover Engineering, a residential programme that gives girls and Black African and Caribbean heritage students the opportunity to explore how maths and physics relate to Engineering, while offering a glimpse into university life at Oxford.
Apprenticeships
The University is committed to providing exciting and life-changing apprenticeships, where apprentices of all ages train alongside experienced staff, developing their professional skills whilst growing the university’s workforce talent. The Department has supported apprentices through Marketing, HR, Finance, Business Administration, IT, Mechanical Engineering and Maintenance qualifications.
University networks and groups
There are many Oxford networks relating to Equality and Diversity, including the BME Staff Network and an active LGBT+ network, both of which hold meetings throughout the year, social and work related, for staff and post-graduates.
The University's Equality and Diversity Unit supports the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive culture which promotes equality, values diversity and maintains a working, learning and social environment in which the rights and dignity of all its staff and students are respected
Oxford University has also recently been named as one of the UK's most inclusive employers for LGBT staff by the charity Stonewall.
