Project JUNO

Introduction

Project Juno| is an Institute of Physics initiative, supported by Royal Holloway's Department of Physics, which aims to address the under-representation of women at all levels in university physics.  For example, just 20% of new physics graduates nationally and fewer than 5% of professors are female.  Project Juno sets out practical ideas for actions which departments can take to address the under-representation of women in university physics and emphasises the need for dialogue, transparency and openness.  It encourages better practice for both women and men.  It achieves this in the form of five key principles| (implemented through a code of practice).

Becoming involved in Project Juno enables departments to work towards developing an equitable working culture in which all students and staff, men and women, can all achieve their full potential.

Royal Holloway is playing a leading role in the Juno project.  Presently in the UK, 32 University physics departments are involved:  Royal Holloway is one of only 6 departments to have been awarded Juno Champion status.

Juno Code of Practice and levels of engagement

There are three levels of engagement with the Code.  As a Supporter, the physics department endorses the five principles set out in the Code of Practice.  Practitioner status requires the department to demonstrate that its Juno journey is well under way and has an initial evidence-based action plan demonstrating how the department aims to achieve Champion status.  As a Champion, a physics department is confirmed to have met the five principles set out.  For further information, go to Institute of Physics Diversity page|. 

In RHUL, the Physics Department has mutual support groups:

• Student Physics Society
• Postgraduate Forum
• Research Staff Forum
• Women In Physics Group for all female staff and students in the Department 
• Women In Physics Research and Academic Staff: who have monthly lunches

We have inclusive social events, for example 

• Weekly Departmental Tea/Coffee and cakes
• Annual Celebrate Success End of Year Event
• Summer BBQ for all
• Annual Staff vs Student Baseball Game

Dr Tracey Berry accepts the Juno Champion award on behalf of the RHUL Department of Physics at the IOP award ceremony in 2011.