Launched in 2005, the Athen SWAN Charter works with its partners to develop and disseminate good practice in science, engineering and technology (SET) higher education and research, with the aim of the advancement of women. The Biochemical Society sits on the steering group and co-funds the Charter, which makes awards to universities and SET departments based on their gender equality practises. You can see the current award holders here.

The wide body of issues surrounding women in science are of interest to many. This reading and research section contains pertinent articles, reports and discussions, as well as original research undertaken by the Society and others.

Hard copies of the Biochemical Society report 'The molecular bioscience PhD and women's retention: a survey and comparison with chemistry' are available on request.

There are a great many online resources available providing information and support to women in science.

Funded by the Biochemical Society, research by Dr Vicky Long, Professor Hilary Marland and Professor Robert B. Freedman from the Centre for the History of Medicine, University of Warwick has provided an insight into the work and lives of women biochemists in Britain from the inception of the Biochemical Journal in 1906 to the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. The research gives an introduction to the history of women in biochemistry. An exhibition is now available for institutions to show.

'I am pleased to endorse the Biochemical Society's work promoting the issue of the underrepresentation of women in science, in particular in high level positions. The issue raises important questions about equality within the scientific sector as well as concerns about the wider economic impact of the under-utilisation of these skills, both of which need to be addressed.'

Emily Thornberry MP (Islington South and Finsbury) 21 May 2009

There are an increasing number of women who are breaking through the glass ceiling and making themselves comfortable in the ivory towers - here we profile some of our members who are doing just that. Dr Anna Kelly, Dr Sue Jones, Dr Jeanette Webster Marketon and Dr Michelle Block have been profiled; click here if you would like to join them.