Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences

Diversity & inclusion

The Department of Mathematics is actively working to achieve gender equality, as part of the Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences’ Women in Science Initiative. Our goal is to create a fair and inclusive environment for all staff and students, so that everyone has available to them the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential. Work towards this goal is supported by the Diversity & Inclusion Departmental Committee.

The Department is a registered supporter of London Mathematical Society’s (LMS) Good Practice Scheme for advancing women’s careers in university mathematics departments. To strengthen our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the department is preparing to submit an application for a Bronze Athena SWAN award in 2020.

Diversity is positively encouraged across the department and we have a number of family-friendly policies, including the operation of a core hours policy, the right to apply for flexible working and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example maternity leave.

The Department promotes a friendly and inclusive culture, running work-related and social events to bring staff and students together.

Department Diversity Lead Dr Cristin Buescu

cristin.buescu@kcl.ac.uk

Athena Swan

The Athena SWAN charter was launched in 2005 to recognise the commitment of institutions that promote and advance the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in academia. The Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences held an Athena SWAN Bronze award until 2017/18. Since then departments in the Faculty have been working towards achieving their own Athena SWAN award, with the Department of Mathematics preparing a submission in 2020.

Women in Science initiative

LMS Good Practice Scheme

The Department of Mathematics strongly supports equal opportunities for all and the advancing of women’s careers within mathematics, and has signed up to the London Mathematical Society’s Good Practice Scheme. The Scheme sets out five principles of good practice relating to organisational framework; appointment, promotion and selection processes; departmental structures, departmental culture; and flexibility.

London Mathematical Society Good Practice Scheme website

Diversity & Inclusion Departmental Committee

The D&I Committee aims to support the Department of Mathematics in achieving its equality and diversity aspirations. This committee oversees our activity in ensuring an inclusive and supportive working and learning environment. If you have any comments, suggestions, questions or concerns relating to diversity and inclusion in the Department of Mathematics, please contact our Diversity Lead Dr Cristin Buescu.

Annual Women in Maths event

Every year the Department of Mathematics celebrates International Women’s Day with our annual Women in Maths event.

In March 2018, Professor Marta Mazzocco (University of Birmingham) gave a talk titled 'A journey through integrability in search of the unexpected'. Professor Mazzocco spoke about her academic career from a scientific and personal point of view, and the event also showcased photographs by Noel Tovia Matoff and excerpts of interviews with women mathematicians throughout Europe.

In March 2019, Dr Amy Mason, a Research Associate working in Mendelian Randomisation for the Cardiac Epidemiology Unit in Cambridge, discussed her career and life in academia and answered questions from the audience.