The Department of Bioengineering is committed to advancing world-leading research, education and innovation in ways that are inclusive, collaborative and socially impactful.
Our work spans biomedical technologies, healthcare engineering, synthetic biology, biomaterials and digital health, addressing major challenges in health, sustainability and wellbeing. We believe that excellence in bioengineering is strengthened by different perspectives, lived experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration, and we are committed to supporting a culture where everyone feels respected, valued and able to contribute.
“The EDCC helps turn our EDI commitments into practical action, supporting a culture where staff and students feel respected, included and able to thrive.”
Professor Julien Vermot,
Chair of Bioengineering's EDCC.
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- Equality, Diversity and Culture Committee (EDCC)
- Improving access, visibility and belonging
- Athena Swan Silver Award
- James West Scholarships
The Equality, Diversity and Culture Committee, known as the EDCC, is responsible for helping the department identify priorities, monitor progress and take practical action on equality, diversity and inclusion.
The committee includes representatives from academic, professional services, technical, postdoctoral, PhD and undergraduate communities, as well as roles linked to outreach, Athena Swan, campus culture and the James West Scholarships.
It meets regularly, reports into the Departmental Management Committee, and uses staff and student surveys, focus groups, HR data and feedback from representatives to guide its work.
The department’s EDI work includes practical actions to improve who sees Bioengineering as a place where they can study, work and progress. This includes school outreach, targeted recruitment activity, inclusive interview and open day practices, support for women in Bioengineering, and work to improve the visibility of female academics, alumni and researchers.
The department is also developing further actions around postdoc support, recruitment panel training and more visible pathways for underrepresented groups.
The department is proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver Award, which recognises work to advance gender equality and support inclusive academic and research environments.
Since joining the Athena Swan Charter in 2015, the department has used the framework to assess progress, identify priorities and develop actions that support students and staff across different career stages. This work has contributed to progress in areas including undergraduate gender representation, female academic recruitment and promotion, inclusive recruitment practices, outreach, and the visibility of women in bioengineering.
The department is proud to support the James West Scholarship scheme, a fully funded doctoral programme for Black and Mixed Black Heritage PhD students.
The scholarship was developed to improve representation and success in bioengineering research careers. Scholars receive funding alongside mentoring, cohort development, professional support and opportunities to take part in role model events and outreach activities. The scheme reflects the department’s wider commitment to intersectionality and to addressing barriers that affect access, progression and belonging in research.
“The work of the EDCC has always been a collective effort, and I am very proud of what the committee and wider department have achieved together. Colleagues have given real time and thought to improving our culture, supporting staff and students, and making inclusion part of everyday departmental life.”
Professor Claudia Clopath,
Outgoing Chair of the EDCC.