Outreach and Inclusive Fieldwork
At SUERC, equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of our culture. As proud holders of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and members of the ‘Endometriosis Friendly Employer’ scheme, we are committed to creating a workplace that supports all people. We are a period-friendly institute, following the University of Glasgow’s lead and the Scottish Government initiative to provide free period products to anyone working at or visiting SUERC.
Single-use products are available in every bathroom, while reusable options can be requested from the Argon Lab post-doc office. Recognising the challenges of fieldwork, we are also developing a dedicated field kit for menstruating people and regularly review our guidelines to ensure field practices are as inclusive and comfortable as possible—come rain, midges, or sudden sub-arctic summers.
We offer flexible working to support work-life balance and maintain a strong focus on wellbeing, with mental health first aiders present in every building. Our vibrant community is supported by lunchtime clubs, social activities, and a welcoming environment where visitors are always encouraged to join in.
Inclusive Fieldwork
SUERC is proud to champion inclusive fieldwork practices through the Going with the Flow project, lead by Millie Bompard. This training, which supports menstruating people in managing fieldwork in challenging environments, has now been delivered to over 500 staff and students in just three years and has been adopted by additional universities across Scotland.
Our commitment to widening participation also extends to outreach: SUERC coordinates the annual Girls in Geoscience event, welcoming 60 female-identifying students from across Scotland each year to explore geoscience careers and celebrate the contributions of Scottish women in the field. Supported by a diverse range of industry partners, the programme continues to grow year on year, with the 2025 field trip organised in collaboration with the University of Aberdeen. Together, these initiatives underline our dedication to creating accessible, equitable opportunities in the geosciences for the next generation.
