Professional culture in Life Sciences

A positive and inclusive working culture.

On this page

We are a scientifically and culturally diverse academic school where we aim to teach and train the next generation of scientists, discover how living organisms work, and apply this knowledge to improving wellbeing globally to help make the world a better place.

We are proud of the fact that our academics, professional and technical services staff, and trainees come from all over the world and from all walks of life, working together using a host of personal and technical approaches. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential for us to ensure a vibrant and sustainable workplace culture. We aim to support and develop all our staff and students so they can work to the best of their ability, this requires a culture where everyone is able and feels empowered and safe to question and challenge behaviours that compromise this goal. 

100% of our environment has been assessed as world leading

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Culture Strategy

Professional culture in the School is underpinned by our Culture Strategy. This ensures our activity is meaningful and has a purpose. The strategy comprises of five pillars of activity that contribute to our high performing community.

  1. Inclusive and supportive
  2. Career development
  3. Reward and recognition
  4. Rigour and excellence
  5. Open science

Delivery of the strategy  

Overseen by the Associate Dean for Professional Culture, four separate groups will drive forward the future aims and action the strategy. Individuals for specific actions are identified as specified in the accompanying action plan. 

  1. Open Research Champion
  2. Research Integrity Group
  3. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion group
  4. Research & Innovation/ Culture workshops 

Support

There is support for our staff and students at a School and University level.  

Learn more about the support we offer

Inclusive Practice 

We offer training, run seminars, conferences and events. Please check our events listings for the latest information. 

People's Award

We present an annual People's Award for positive contributions to School culture. These are awarded to individuals and teams. All previous winners are listed on our School of Life Sciences Awards page.

Key School of Life Sciences contacts

SLS Staff with University Level EDI Roles

Athena Swan Silver Award

Athena Swan Silver logo - Gender Charter

As of July 2023, the School is a proud recipient of the Athena Swan Silver Award.