We’re committed to providing and promoting an equitable workplace.
We do this by providing our staff and students with resources and support, and acknowledging that a culture of diversity, inclusion and fairness creates positive experiences.
Our staff and students are involved in a range of UQ and School-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Contact
Email the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee based at the School of Mathematics and Physics: smp.edi@uq.edu.au
The School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formed in 2014 and meets regularly.
It aims to:
- promote an inclusive environment
- examine and implement strategies to promote a diverse School community
- ensure UQ diversity and inclusion policies are promoted across the School community.
Its members:
- raise awareness about equity and make it a standing item in School meetings
- monitor School demographics (students, staff and events) to assess progress and identify when action is needed
- organise women in physics and UQ Ally events, such as talks, welcomes and social gatherings
- encourage staff to complete UQ’s Managing Unconscious Bias Program (requires UQ login)
- ensure selection committees are aware of unconscious bias
- advise lecturers on how to create an effective and inclusive learning environment
- recruit colleagues to the UQ Ally and UQ Respect networks
- organise focus groups to establish the parameters for a School-wide survey of inclusion and diversity attitudes and issues among staff and higher degree by research students
- promote and apply for Pleiades Awards.
Visit the School's intranet to find out more (requires UQ login).
SAGE Pilot of Athena SWAN Bronze Award
UQ received a prestigious Bronze Institutional Award as part of the SAGE Pilot of Athena SWAN in 2019, which aims to address and improve gender equity in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) disciplines.
The Action Plan will be implemented from 2023 to 2025.
Gold Pleiades Award
The School of Mathematics and Physics is a Gold Pleiades organisation. This Gold Pleiades was awarded in 2025, following 2 Silver awards in 2023 and 2021. More details are available in the news article: UQ's School of Mathematics and Physics takes out gold equity award.
The Pleiades Awards recognise organisations that are committed to inclusion, diversity and equity in astronomy.
They are awarded by the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy Chapter of the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Now you see me!
In 2022, the SMP EDI Committee ran a staff-student partnership that examined the experiences and representation of minorities in SMP classes via a survey.
This partnership led to a project to put up portraits of women physicists and mathematicians to promote visibility of underrepresented groups in the mathematical and physical sciences.
Find them all
There are 37 people portrayed in these artistic posters across the Parnell and Priestley buildings.
Go on a quest to find them all; you can even win a prize!
Enter the online challenge here or via the QR code below:
Want to check your answers? Here is the poster map (PDF, 443.5 KB).
The School of Mathematics and Physics (SMP) wants our community to be a caring, inclusive and empowering environment for all.
Quiet classes
Quiet classes are currently being trialled in select courses in the Bachelor of Science. These classes are designed to support students with heightened sensitivities to stimuli such as noise, lights or strong odours. These classes are open to any student who would benefit from a calmer and more predictable atmosphere.
If you are interested in these classes you can find more information on the quiet classes page.
Inclusivity
On the SMP inclusivity information page you can find information and resources to help you recognise and respond to instances of unacceptable behaviour in the classroom and in the workplace.
Find out more about diversity and inclusion at UQ
UQ Ally Network
We’re committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for UQ staff and students who identify as LGBTIAQ+.
Several members of our School community are part of the UQ Ally Network, supporting UQ’s stance on making the University an accepting, positive, diverse and inclusive space.
Find our more about the UQ Ally Network (UQ login required)
UQ Respect Network
The Respect Network aims to educate, equip and empower UQ staff and students to enhance the prevention of, and response to, sexual misconduct and all forms of discrimination and harassment across the university.
Members of our School community are part of the UQ Respect Network which you can join to promote a safe, respectful, inclusive, and violence-free culture.
UQ Disability Action Plan
The Disability Action Plan explores how we are creating equitable and inclusive outcomes and experiences for people with disability at UQ.
See also
VIDS (Video Interventions for Diversity in STEM) is an evidence-based diversity training tool that uses video storytelling and expert communication to educate people about gender bias and promote inclusion in STEM fields.
Related links
- UQ Strategic Plan
- UQ Diversity and Inclusion (requires UQ login)
- UQ Student Support