Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

Equality, diversity & inclusion

The goal of the Department of Physics is to provide an environment where everyone can feel at home and prosper.

We are actively working to follow best practice on diversity issues and ensure everyone has the support and opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.

Diversity is crucial for enabling world leading research, impact and teaching. Working alongside people with different experiences and perspectives encourages innovation and creativity. It brings exposure to a breadth of knowledge, working styles and techniques, and it prompts us to develop ideas and consider decisions from multiple points of view. Furthermore, if certain groups are under-represented in our Department, this means the talent pool we are drawing from is not as broad as it should be.

The Department of Physics sits within the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, meaning we take a collective approach to Equality and Diversity. This is promoted through the Faculty’s Equality and Diversity Champion and the Faculty Equality and Diversity Committee. The Department Equality and Diversity Committee (DEDC) in the Department of Physics is a sub-committee of the Faculty's Equality and Diversity committee.

Ensuring an inclusive and supportive working and learning environment is a key part of the Department of Physics' equality and diversity strategy. We are actively working to achieve these aspirations.

Chair of the Department Equality & Diversity Committee

Dr Jeanne Wilson

Jeanne.wilson@kcl.ac.uk

Athena SWAN

The Athena SWAN charter was launched in 2005 to encourage and recognise the commitment of institutions to advance the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in academia.

The Department of Physics engages with the Athena Swan charter framework and are proud to have been awarded the Departmental Silver Award in November 2019, which was then renewed in 2024.

Women in STEM season

Since 2024, King's has run the yearly Women in STEMM campaign - a month-long celebration that takes place between the the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February and International Women’s Day on 8 March.

Through a series of inspirational talks and panel discussions from a wide variety of speakers, Women in STEM Season aims to analyse inequality in STEM through an intersectional lens, including exploring why historically underrepresented groups, such as women of colour, are not equally represented in the sciences.

The campaign hopes to bring together staff and students from across King's science faculties to share empathy and allyship on how we break down the barriers faced by women in STEM, sparking new conversations and actions on building an equal place in science and technology, for the benefit of all.

Explore events, stories and more

Success for Black Students

Our vision is to have a diverse and representative community across King’s.

The Success for Black Students programme is helping us to achieve this, by encouraging black students to apply at undergraduate level to study physics at King’s.

Learn more about this cross-faculty programme

Physics student looking into microscope in a lab

Code of Conduct

The Department of Physics, King’s College London, is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that is free from bullying, harassment, violence or discrimination. All departmental members will conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to all members and free from any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

We will treat each other with respect and consideration to create a collegial, inclusive, and professional environment in all departmental contexts.

Learn more about diversity policies at King's

King's College London Strand Campus Physics Buildings

KCL Womxn in Physics

The KCL Womxn in Physics Society was founded in 2015, by a second year undergraduate who wanted to address the issue of under-representation of women and non binary people in the physics department at King's College London. Since then, it has become an official KCLSU ratified student society, hosted the first Women in Physics London Conference, and run workshops to build a sense of community in the department.

The society aims to act as a safe space for all minorities in the field of physics, promoting an inclusive and supportive environment through a range of social, educational and academic events.