21Mar 2023 by Andy No Comments

Universities’ entry requirements, graduate outcomes and diversity in the Mathematical Sciences

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) and the Heads of Department of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS) asked Ortus to undertake research to examine the landscape regarding recruitment to mathematical sciences first degree subjects across the UK and the outcomes achieved by graduates from these degrees. The research sought to examine pre-university entry attainment patterns (i.e. A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Highers and Advanced Highers in Scotland) and to examine diversity from the perspectives of sex and socio-economic background in relation to graduate outcomes. The aim of the study was to help inform a better understanding of how such diversity relates to mathematical sciences graduates’ careers. The research involved analysis of secondary data from UCAS and the Higher Educations Statistics Agency to explore how mathematical sciences students' sex…
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09Jan 2023 by Andy No Comments

Women in Maths benchmarking data

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The London Mathematical Society's Committee for Women and Diversity strongly supports advancing women's and other under-represented groups' careers in mathematical sciences in higher education. For several years, Ortus has provided regular data updates to the Society which allow Higher Education Institutions to benchmark themselves against national averages for the proportion of women studying maths, from first degree to PhD level; and the proportion of women working in university maths departments, from post-doc researchers to professors. Our latest update refreshes the data in 2017's benchmarking study of Athena SWAN programmes.
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09Dec 2020 by Andy No Comments

Athena SWAN application evidence base

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
Another partnership between Ortus Economic Research and Dr Eugenie Hunsicker at Loughborough University, this study was commissioned to support the EDI Manager at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in generating evidence of the equality and diversity issues faced within the Institute. The prime aim of the study was to feed evidence into the development of an institutional application for an Athena SWAN Bronze award (submitted December 2020). The study considered all aspects of equality and diversity as well as gender in order to support institutional action in addressing EDI challenges. The project required us to analyse results of a staff survey and run numerous focus groups with academic and professional and support staff in order to create an insightful evidence base. We also provide ongoing guidance and a 'critical friend' role…
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09Jul 2020 by Andy No Comments

IRC Gender Strategy and Action Plan review

Equality and diversity, Higher Education, Strategy and policy development
Ortus Economic Research, working in parternship with Dr Eugenie Hunsicker and Dr Gemma Witcomb from Loughborough University, are currently delivering a review of this the Irish Research Council's Gender Strategy and Action Plan. This important initiative, launched in 2013, is due to be refreshed and therefore a review of the current strategy was deemed to be an important and valuable step. The strategy has two key aims: to support gender equality in research careers across all disciplines and to support the integration of the gender dimension in research content. The review considers the impact of the current strategy, the current and likely future barriers and enablers to advancing gender equality and integrating the gender dimension into research, consideration of similar initiatives being delivered by other research funding agencies and the…
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18Jul 2018 by Andy No Comments

Women Count 2018

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence
The Pipeline has published its most recent annual report into the gender balance in executive teams across the FTSE350, showing that there has been a slow down in progress to bring more women into the C-Suite in our largest companies.  The analysis includes a review of Ortus Economic Research is proud to again have delivered the analysis underpinning the report. The Pipeline delivers executive leadership programmes specifically designed for women. Research shows that organisations do better and are more able to succeed in our globalised world when they have greater gender diversity at the most senior levels. Women Count 2018 was covered extensively in the national and trade press as well as being cited by Parliament.  Examples include articles in The Times (paywall), Retail Gazette and Construction News.  
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03Mar 2018 by Andy No Comments

Benchmarking study of Athena SWAN programmes

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The London Mathematical Society commissioned Ortus Economic Research to deliver this benchmarking study examining the staff and student gender balance within UK Mathematics departments and to identify good practice in addressing gender imbalances. The study was led by a steering group which included Dr Eugenie Hunsicker (Warwick University) and Professor John Greenlees (Sheffield University). The purpose of the study was to assist the Society in their efforts to provide valuable research and data to members in support of the Women and Diversity in Mathematics initiative and its Good Practice Scheme. Specifically, the objectives of the project were to: derive a picture of gender diversity in mathematics departments in the UK publish both quantitative and qualitative evidence relevant to gender diversity identify issues for further, more detailed investigation The research has…
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