Beacon Activities

Recent Events

National STEM Learning Centre, University of York, 23 September 2022

Please visit our Resource Hub for materials on Equality and Diversity.

External activities

Membership of Committees and Groups

Served on Athena SWAN judging panels	Paul Walton, Derek Wann, Caroline Dessent and Leonie Jones
Member of the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee	Caroline Dessent
Members of the University of York Athena SWAN Science Faculty Working Group	Caroline Dessent and Leonie Jones
Member of University of York Athena SWAN Steering Group	Paul Walton
Chair of the University wide Athena SWAN Forum	Paul Walton
Athena SWAN Departmental Representatives	Caroline Dessent and Leonie Jones
Athena SWAN Champion (and sits on the HEA Ireland review board on gender equality in Higher Education in Ireland)	Paul Walton
Panel member for the Royal Society's Rosalind Franklin award	Robin Perutz
Friend of the Daphene Jackson Trust	Caroline Dessent
Member of the RSC Inclusion and Diversity Committee	David Smith
Ambassador for European INTEGER project (Institutional Transformation for Effecting Gender Equality in Research)	Paul Walton
Member of York Biology and School of Physics, Engineering and Technology Equality groups
Member of the Advisory Board, University of Galway, Ireland	Paul Walton
Member of the University of York Women's Forum	Caroline Dessent
Chair of the University Race Equality Steering Group	Avtar Matharu

2020

July 2020		Virtual Q&A with Angela Saini- Racism in Science & Academia, Joint Equality and Diversity Beacon Event, University of Leeds & University of York
June 2020		Dr Izzy Jayasinghe - From optical microscopy to Pride Month of protest. Virtual Equality and Diversity Seminar: Celebrating Pride Month
June 2020	Leonie Jones	Unconscious Bias Training, Network Wide Event for Safer Autonomous Systems (SAS) DTP.
March 2020		Jess Wade - A voice for diversity in science. Department of Chemistry Beacon Equality and Diversity Lecture

2019

July 2019	Leonie Jones and Dave Smith	Talk: 'No sex we’re scientists' (Dave Smith), chaired panel discussion on diversity and inclusivity in science (leonie Jones), 4th joint Dial-a-molecule and directed synthesis networks ECR event
July 2019	Dave Smith	Interview: Making invisible work in STEM more visible (Chem Eng News)
June 2019	Dave Smith	LGBT in STEM Survey Results Launch - Introductory Speaker
June 2019	Dave Smith and Alex Palmer	University pride flag raising event (speakers)
March 2019	Caroline Dessent	Invited talk, 'What does it take to become a golden department for gender equality? Athena SWAN in Chemistry@York.' Delft Women in Science symposium, TU Delft
February 2019	Ruth Purvis	Invited talk: 11 years of Athena Swan, advice on implementing a EDI policies, The Aerosol Society
February 2019	Paul Walton	Interview in Nature Careers https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00683-z
February 2019	Leonie Jones	Invited talk, 'People like us? How unconscious bias affects our decisions.' International Mother Language Day Celebration, University of York
January 2019	Elizabeth Fear	Co-organised McCamley Lecture and Lunchtime Forum on Maintaining a Work-Life Balance. University of York
January 2019	Julia Sarju	Delivered a workshop 'Individual Arrangements and Inclusive Assessments for Undergraduate Chemistry: Checks & Balances' at the RSC's Higher Education Teaching Network Winter Meeting: Kings College London.
January 2019	Caroline Dessent, Helen Coombs	Talk on Submitting an Athena SWAN Application, Athena SWAN Forum, University of York
January 2019	Derek Wann	LGBT+STEMinar attendance and steering group membership, London
January 2019	Caroline Dessent	Took part in the Universities Counselling Service (CiC) consultation, University of York

2018

December 2018	Paul Walton	Member, throughout 2018, of a Review Group into the Effectiveness of Athena SWAN, London.
December 2018	Emma Dux, Helen Coombs, Leonie Jones	Members of the Chemistry Mental Health Support Team. Team Award and Winners of the "Health, Wellbeing and Resilience Initiative of the Year". Professional at York Event, University of York.
December 2018	Julia Sarju, Robin Perutz	Talk highlighting disabled role models in science for Disability History Month. "Science stars with a difference: can we learn from disability history?" University of York. Chem Update
December 2018	Leonie Jones, Caroline Dessent	Unconscious bias observer training workshop, University of York (open to all staff)
December 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, Joliot Curie 2018 Webinar - Multiple Pathways to Success
November 2018	Paul Walton, Leonie Jones	Ran an Undergraduate Session on Equality and Unconscious Bias. University of York
November 2018	Paul Walton	Lecture "Gender Equality in Higher Education: How to do it." Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenberg, Sweden.
November 2018	David Smith	Interview, Nature career feature - Juggling research and family life: honest reflections from scientist dads
November 2018	Paul Walton	Lecture to the Science and Engineering Faculty at the University of Freiburg.
November 2018	David Smith	Media article, Chemistry World - Family-friendly science
November 2018	David Smith	Online interview - Breaking the Barriers Report Launch Event
October 2018	Helen Coombs, Caroline Dessent	Media article, The Royal Society of Chemistry Voice magazine - The gold standard
July 2018	David Smith	Media article, "Hidden Diversity Steps Out of the Closet" (Article for LGBTSTEMDay), Royal Society of Chemistry
June 2018	Paul Walton	Invited lecturer, LERU conference, Zurich, Switzerland
June 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, LGBT Scientists - Hidden Stories
June 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, LGBT Network Launch - Springer Nature
June 2018	Alex Palmer	Represented YUSU Disabled Students Network at a meeting with CCG to discuss survey results of disabled student experiences of medical care from Unity Health.
June 2018	Alex Palmer	University of York's first Student Pride Event (16 June): organised and ran a stall at the Student Pride event as part of committee work for YUSU Disabled Students Network.
June 2018	Alex Palmer	York Pride (9 June): organised marching groups for York Pride as part of committee work for YUSU LGBTQ Network and for YUSU Disabled Students Network.
June 2018	Leonie Jones	York Pride: Chemistry Department celebrates - Flags-it-up for York Pride
June 2018	Caroline Dessent, Leonie Jones	Invited to Westminster Abbey: book launch of the official History of Parliament Trust Vote commemorative album "Voice and Vote" which features the Department of Chemistry.
June 2018	Caroline Dessent, Leonie Jones	Hosted lunchtime staff forum on Fatherhood and Flexible Working, Department of Chemistry-University of York.
May 2018	Paul Walton	Invited lecturer, Department of Computing Science, University of Glasgow
May 2018	David Smith	Author "ChemYork"Spring 2018 External Magazine. " LGBT+ STEMinar - a formula for inclusive science." Department of Chemistry - University of York.
May 2018	Alex Palmer	Trans Awareness Week: organised a week of events at the University of York to raise funds for Action for Trans Health.
May 2018	Duncan Bruce, Caroline Dessent	Invited Professor Carolyn Bertozzi from Stanford University keynote lecturer at the scientific symposium celebrating excellence and diversity in science and to give a public lecture: The long game of STEM diversification.
May 2018	David Smith	Presenter, Professor Carolyn Bertozzi Public Lecture and Panel Discussion, University of York
May 2018	Duncan Bruce, Caroline Dessent	Hosted a two-day event within the Department of Chemistry to celebrate 10 years of Athena SWAN Gold.
May 2018	Helen Coombs	Met with Dr Megan Osmond from Australia's CSIRO (The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) to discuss experiences of Athena SWAN at York.
April 2018	Caroline Dessent	Professor Ellie Highwood (Dean of Diversity and Inclusion, University of Reading) joined us in the Department to give a Beacon Lecture From dust to diversity... adventures in atmospheric science and equality.
April 2018	David Smith	Press Interview, "Science is full of personal stories. York's David Smith thinks scientists should share them".
March 2018	Caroline Dessent, Leonie Jones	Hosted Lunchtime staff forum: Imposter syndrome: Am I the only person that feels like a fraud? Department of Chemistry - University of York
March 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, LBGT+, American Society.
March 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, University of Bristol Diversity Event
March 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, LGBT+ Physical Science Survey Launch Event
March 2018	Paul Walton	Invited presenter, Gender equality lecture
March 2018	Caroline Dessent	Invited speaker, International Women's Day Event - University of Leeds (Faculty of Medicine and Health Care).
February 2018	Duncan Bruce, Helen Coombs	Facilitators: Department of Chemistry - first academic department at the University of York to introduce specific ‘all genders welcome’ toilets.
January 2018	Derek Wann	Speaker, LGTB STEMinar, University of York
January 2018	David Smith	Pleanary speaker, LGBT STEMinar, University of York.
January 2018	Leonie Jones, Derek Wann	Organised LGBT STEMinar hosted in the National STEM Learning Centre, University of York.
January 2018	Leonie Jones	Invited speaker, 10 years of Athena SWAN Gold Brunel, Computer Science Diversity Day.
January 2018	Caroline Dessent	Invited speaker, The Department of Chemistry’s Equality and Diversity activities and Athena SWAN submission, Association of Business Schools.
January 2018	David Smith	Invited speaker, 10 years of Athena SWAN Gold, University of Kent at Medway - School of Pharmacy Seminar.

2017

November 2017	Dave Smith	Gay Times Honours, Nominee, Barbara Burford Award for STEM, London
November 2017	Duncan Bruce Caroline Dessent Leonie Jones	Co-organisers of RSC Celebrating Diversity in the Chemical Sciences
November 2017	Dave Smith	Panel member, RSC Celebrating Diversity in the Chemical Sciences, London
November 2017	Paul Walton	Presentation to Chalmers University, Sweden
October 2017	Paul Walton	Presentation to Chemistry Department and University and Briefing to Equality Group, Lund University, Sweden
October 2017	Paul Walton	Briefing to Heads of Departments and Presentation to Department of Chemistry,Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
October 2017	Paul Walton	Presentation to Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Sheffield
October 2017	Dave Smith	EPSRC/IOP/RSC Diversity in Leadership Workshop, London
September 2017	Paul Walton	Presentation to senior management group, Delft University, Holland
August and September 2017	Paul Walton	Presentations at EPSRC ICT meetings, London
25 September 2017	Caroline Dessent	EPSRC Inclusion Matters Workshop participant, Bristol
21 September 2017	Caroline Dessent	'Going for Gold: Athena SWAN and Beyond' University of Liverpool, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Invited Talk
21 September 2017	Caroline Dessent	"How to be a Woman ....Scientist", University of Liverpool, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Invited Talk
August 2017	Helen Coombs Caroline Dessent	Advice on recruitment best practice given to Gender Equality Officer at University of Liverpool
July 2017	Dave Smith	Invited to attend London Gay Times Awards
July 2017	Dave Smith	Keynote speaker at Next Step events in York
8 July 2017	Caroline Dessent	Obstacles and Opportunities: Carving out Careers": British Society for the History of Science, Annual Meeting Invited Talk and Panel Discussion, York
June 2017	Dave Smith	Invited Talk, Science Museum, Sexuality Lates Event, London
June 2017	Paul Walton	University lecture, University of Zurich, Switzerland
May 2017	Dave Smith	Invited Lecture on LGBT+ Diversity in STEM: University of Lancaster
May 2017	Dave Smith	Invited Lecture on LGBT+ Diversity in STEM: University of Nottingham
May 2017	Dave Smith	Plenary Lecture, UNIT 2017, May 2017, Berlin
March 2017	Dave Smith	Guest speaker at 'Bring your whole self to work' event, Procter and Gamble, Newcastle
March 2017	Leonie Jones	Invited Talk, 'Athena SWAN – progression & culture change, 10 years of Athena SWAN gold', Bangor University
February 2017	Paul Walton	University lecture, University of Surrey
January 2017	Leonie Jones Derek Wann	'Development of a novel unconscious bias observer scheme at Chemistry@York', at LGBT STEMinar 2017
January 2017	Paul Walton	Presentation to Rector, staff and students at University of Freiberg, Germany

2016

November 2016	Dave Smith	Invited Lecture on LGBT+ Diversity in STEM: University of Oxford
November 2016	Leonie Jones	Biophotonics North, 'Unconscious Bias in the Academic Environment', University of St Andrews
October 2016	Paul Walton	Keynote speaker at LERU conference on gender with a focus on women in STEMM, Lund, Sweden
October 2016	Paul Walton	Royal Society Diversity Conference: received Athena SWAN Runner Up award and contributed to panel discussion
September 2016	Lucy Carpenter Leonie Jones Dave Smith Paul Walton	Hosted Royal Society of Chemistry Joliot-Curie Conference 2016 at the National STEM Learning Centre
September 2016	Paul Walton	Spoke at University of Cork, Ireland. Also gave briefing to Executive Group.
June 2016	Paul Walton	Gave staff lecture at Uppsala University, Sweden
June 2016	Paul Walton	Swedish National Equality Conference, Lund, Sweden
April 2016	EDG Group	Equality and diversity discussions with School of Maths and Physical Sciences, University of Reading
April 2016	Helen Coombs	Discussions on Athena SWAN with UCL Institute of Child Health
March 2016	Paul Walton	Speaker at University of Chester on Athena SWAN
February 2016	Helen Coombs Paul Walton Leonie Jones	Advice meeting on Athena SWAN submission process with the Met Office
February 2016	Paul Walton	Spoke at Technological University, Delft, The Netherlands
February 2016	Paul Walton	Attended HEA Committee on gender equality, Dublin
January 2016	Derek Wann Dave Smith	Both attended, and Dave gave opening plenary lecture, at the LGBT STEMinar at Sheffield. A version of his talk can be found on his YouTube channel:

2015

December 2015	Derek Wann	Spoke at the Athena SWAN awards ceremony
December 2015	Robin Perutz	Book review: Women scientists - Reflections, Challenges and Breaking Boundaries by Magdolna Hargittai
November 2015	Eliza Bonello	Gave presentation on 'Disability in the Workplace' to INCLUDE, the University of York's disabled staff network
October 2015	Helen Coombs Paul Walton	Gave advice to UCL Medical School on Athena SWAN process
October 2015	Robin Perutz	Presentation at the University of Aberdeen to a general audience varying from undergraduate to University Vice Principal on "Celebrating the buzz of success: changing the ethos and Athena SWAN Gold". The discussion afterwards was at least a long as the talk
October 2015	Eliza Bonello	Attended Westminster Employment Forum on "Disability in the Workplace - priorities for policy" on behalf of the University's Disabled Staff Network
October 2015	Ruth Purvis	Gave advice on Athena SWAN process to the Met Office
September 2015	Caroline Dessent	Talk on Athena SWAN at North East Athena SWAN meeting in York
September 2015	Leonie Jones Dave Smith	Attended Joliot-Curie Conference 2015, Cambridge. Leonie presented a poster on Flexible Working practices and Dave gave a talk on Promoting Cultural Change. Two students (Kate Appleby, Craig Archbold) and a post-doc (Ana Campo Rodrigo) were also funded by the Department to attend the conference
September 2015	Helen Coombs	Advice to MRC Cell Biology Athena team, UCL
July 2015	Paul Walton	Talk at COST Action meeting, Nanoscale Quantum Optics, Florence
July 2015	Alison Parkin	Visit to Stokesley School - gave keynote talk at the Year 11 "Science and Engineering Day", designed to promote female students' engagement with science and engineering qualifications and careers (~100 Year 11 students attended) and also spoke to 6th form science A level students
June 2015	Paul Walton	Equality and Diversity Talk at University of Birmingham
June 2015	Paul Walton	Talk at COST Action meeting, GenderSTE, Nicosia, Cyprus
April 2015	Helen Coombs	Advice to University of Newcastle on enhancing the role of women in Science and Technology
April 2015	Paul Walton	Sex in Science seminars, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus
March 2015	Paul Walton	Talk on gender equality at University of Nijmegen, Netherlands
February 2015	Dave Smith	Invited Lecture on LGBT+ Diversity in STEM: University of Reading
January 2015	Paul Walton	Gender equality talk to Wellcome Trust

2014

November 2014	Paul Walton	Advice to Senior Managers Group, University of Leeds
November 2014	Emma Dux Robin Perutz	Athena Forum, London
October 2014	Helen Coombs	Advice to Equality & Diversity Unit, University of Oxford, on part-time working policy
October 2014	Paul Walton	Gender Equality talks at Universities of Oxford and Huddersfield
September 2014	Ruth Purvis	Symposium on 'Promoting STEM Subjects to Girls in Primary Schools', Queen's University Belfast
June 2014	Alison Parkin	Keynote speaker at Stokesley School 'Science and Engineering Day' focused on enthusing Year 10 pupils about science careers. Talk and workshops with ~180 pupils
June 2014	Paul Walton Kate Horner	Promoting Female Excellence in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, Oslo 2014: equality talk by Paul Walton; conference delegate Kate Horner
June 2014	Kirsty Penkman	Represented Department at Westminster briefing on "Gender and STEM - where next for universities?"
June 2014	Paul Walton	Invited (with Pratibha Gai and Dave Smith) to parliamentary event hosted by Professor Lesley Yellowlees CBE, the Royal Society of Chemistry and Valerie Vaz MP to focus on the issue of diversity in science
June 2014	Derek Wann Catherine Foster	Athena SWAN Good Practice Workshop at Royal Society of Chemistry, London
June 2014	Paul Walton	Talk on equality to senior management group, University of Limerick, Ireland
May 2014	Paul Walton	GenderSTE targeted workshop, University of Rijeka, Croatia
April 2014	Sue Couling Paul Walton	Women and Change in Higher Education conference, Durham University: keynote speaker Sue Couling; workshop given by Paul Walton
March 2014	Dave Smith	Invited Lecture on LGBT+ Diversity in STEM: University of Liverpool
March 2014	Helen Coombs	Consultation with HR/Equality & Diversity Advisor, Warwick University, on flexible working and maternity/paternity leave
March 2014	Paul Walton	EU STAGES project (Structural Transformation to Achieve Gender Equality in Science) workshop, Brussels
March 2014	Paul Walton	Athena SWAN conference on unconscious bias (keynote speaker), University of Portsmouth
February 2014	Alison Parkin	Consultation with Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, on Athena SWAN management and impact at York
January 2014	Helen Coombs	Hosted Athena SWAN visit from Newcastle University Chemistry Department
2014	Paul Walton	Talks and seminars at inter alia: University of Leeds, Queen Mary's College London, King's College London, University of Cambridge; full details on Gender equality work webpage

2013

Paul Walton

Various national and international talks and lectures: see Gender equality work webpage

2012

June 2012	Sue Couling	Hosted UKRC-WISE/GeCo National Networking meeting "Gaining senior management commitment to gender equality in HEIs"
2012	Caroline Dessent Robin Perutz	Presentations to National Institute of Health Researchers, Senior Investigators' meeting
2012	Sue Couling	Expert on GenCo Project – A European project on Improving Gender Equality Competences of Persons Responsible for Personnel Development in Private Enterprises and Higher Education