How Athena SWAN has improved research culture

‘Draw-a-Scientist’ studies have been conducted regularly by educational researchers for several decades. Even today, the stereotype of a ‘Scientist’ as a middle-aged (or older) white male persists. This is a cliché; however, the sad truth is that it retains some resemblance to real life. Although we are getting better at recognizing women and/or ethnicity in science, we are still a long way from achieving equality. The Athena SWAN charter was launched in 2005 in order to help deal with the lack of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) careers, particularly at higher level roles. In 2015, the Scientific Women’s Academic Network (SWAN) application process changed to encompass a much broader remit, in order to tackle all underrepresentation within the HE sector and provide a positive research culture that benefits everyone.