The University of Queensland’s School of Mathematics and Physics has been recognised with a prestigious 2021 Silver Pleiades Award.
The accolade recognises the School’s active steps in improving inclusiveness, diversity, and equity in Australian astronomy, and was recently presented to the School by the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy Chapter of the Astronomical Society of Australia.
Astrophysicist Dr Sarah Sweet helped the School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee lead efforts for more open and inclusive teaching and research.
“This is a fantastic achievement for SMP, and it was a team effort,” she said.
“Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee – along with staff and students across the School – works incredibly hard to ensure our organisation is inclusive, diverse, equitable and transparent.
“This Silver Award recognises our sustained record of improving our working environment on a number of fronts.
“When granting the Award, the selection committee highlighted the School’s commitment to improving conduct in equity and inclusion, as well as mental health and wellbeing.
“In regards to recruitment, we received acknowledgement for our efforts establishing women-only positions, encouraging promotions, and acting on creating an inclusive culture.
“And we were also recognised for leadership taken in promoting a positive example of best practice to other organisations in the astronomy community.”
The honour was awarded on the back of the School’s Bronze Award, granted by the Astronomical Society of Australia in 2019.
Head of School Professor Joseph Grotowski was grateful for the award, but said that there is still more work to do.
“We’re looking forward to building on this success, creating a more inclusive workplace and learning environment across the School,” he said.
“We hope that our efforts will lead towards a more inclusive environment across the whole university.”
Dr Sweet said the committee will be hitting the ground running, offering a range of engagement activities to connect with staff and students across the School of Mathematics and Physics.
“Future initiatives will continue to advance gender equity, and work towards improving equity and inclusion for more diverse groups of people,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to hosting inclusiveness, diversity, and equity workshops and seminars, and morning tea events, to educate staff and students and celebrate diversity.”
Professor Grotowski acknowledged the great work of the School’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee in preparing the submission, and thanked the broader School community for their contributions to making SMP a more inclusive and equitable place.
The full list of awardees can be found on the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Astronomy Chapter of the Astronomical Society of Australia website.
Media: Dominic Jarvis, dominic.jarvis@uq.edu.au, +61 413 334 924.
