As a School-level group, the Network connects students to staff who are community members themselves, who are knowledgeable on the specific issues that LGBTQ+ people face, and who are willing and able to provide support. The Network also serves as a point of contact for broader LGBTQ+ issues that may arise in Physics & Astronomy.
LGBTQ+ Staff-Student Network Contact: Dr. Imogen Gingell
University Resources:
Gender Identity Policy
“The University of Southampton celebrates and values the diversity of its workforce, and believes that the university will benefit from employing trans people at all levels of responsibility, thus hoping to provide role models for students who identify as trans.”
Pulse: LGBT+ Staff Network. The Network aims to work in partnership with the University of Southampton and other LGBT+ networks to create a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment that encourages respect and equality for all, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The Network believes that, in order for every individual to reach their full potential, there must be no fear of discrimination or disrespect.
LGBT+ Student Society: whose aim is to provide an inclusive and safe space for LGBT+ students to socialise with one another, allowing them the freedom to discover and express who they are free from judgement.
Black Asian and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, supporting and promoting academic and support staff. The group runs the BAME Buddy Scheme and advises the University on policy issues.
The network aims to bring together women and gender-minority members of Physics and Astronomy to promote their career development and to champion gender equality and diversity within the school.
The WPN hold seminars by leading researchers, workshops for both staff and students, and raise awareness of the importance of equality, as well as hosting a variety of social events. In 2017 the WPN was awarded the University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Award for ED&I.
Find out more about the WPN and contact us at wpn@soton.ac.uk. People of all genders and all levels of physics welcome!
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is responsible for coordinating the School's Athena Swan applications. The University also holds an Athena SWAN Silver award.
Physics and Astronomy is also home to a highly active Women’s Physics Network, which was recognised for its ‘exceptional contribution’ with a Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2017.
You can read our 2018 submission as well as our detailed action plan, at https://www.phys.soton.ac.uk/AthenaSwan
Juno Champion Award
Project Juno is the Institute of Physics scheme that recognises departments that demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in university physics, and to encourage better practice for both women and men.
We were awarded Project Juno Champion status in 2019, which recognises the actions we’re taking to address the under-representation of women in Physics and Astronomy. The status acknowledges the effectiveness of several initiatives that are creating an equitable working culture, in which students and staff can achieve their full potential. We endorse the six Project Juno Principles, and will now work towards Excellence status.
The Physics and Astronomy Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is responsible for coordinating our Project Juno applications.
Gender Equality Network in the European Research Area (GENERA)
GENERA is a Horizon 2020 project aiming at continuing, monitoring and improving the Gender Equality Plans of Research Institutions and Organisations specifically in the physics research field. These three actions are performed by a Consortium of 13 beneficiary partner Research Performing and Research Funding Organisations and a number of associate partners and observers. Our department signed the GENERA memorandum of understanding in 2018.