51³Ô¹ÏÍø

A project from within the Faculty of Natural Sciences which provides period care products to Faculty staff and students, addressing period poverty and supporting women in academia, has been awarded a Julia Higgins Award.

The Julia Higgins Medal and Awards are awarded annually to recognise individuals, groups, and departments that have made a significant contribution to the support of women in academia at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The Emergency Period Care Provision Team is made up of a team from across the Faculty and its departments, consisting of: Emma Pallett (Chemistry); Cristabel Goves (Chemistry); Amelia Barron (Life Sciences); Clara Bradberry (Life Sciences); Mary Fajardo (Physics); Sai Nathan (Maths); Kasia Kmieckowiak (CEP); Morena Mills (CEP); Kate Grimwood (CEP) and Emma Mattin (FoNS).

The Emergency Period Care Provision initiative was originally established within the Faculty at the Molecular Sciences Research Hub in White City by Emma Pallett, who recognised that lack of access to a free and inclusive range of menstrual products, as well as the need for emergency clothing, can create unnecessary stress, embarrassment, and disruption to work and study.

Building on this success, the Faculty of Natural Sciences has supported the initiative to expand from a single site pilot to a Faculty-wide provision across all departments. This required collaboration in complex environments where buildings are shared between departments or Faculties, with several departments operating across multiple sites.

Emma Pallett, from the Department of Chemistry, who pioneered the initiative, said: "Having seen emergency period care available in other settings, and as a member of the Department of Chemistry’s EDI Committee, I felt it was extremely important to work hard to have this initiative rolled out across the Department, as no one should have to feel embarrassment or shame when it comes to their period.

"I was thrilled to co-ordinate with the rest of the Faculty of Natural Sciences to roll this scheme out to across FoNS and other Departments in White City, to support women at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and break down further barriers to equality.”

As a result of the initiative, all FoNS departments now provide a range of free period products, including tampons and sanitary pads designed to meet different flow levels, preferences and comfort requirements.

Where possible, emergency clothing such as underwear, leggings, and joggers in a range of sizes are also offered. Products are primarily available directly in female and gender-neutral toilets, with additional items accessible via departmental offices or lockers.

'A more supportive, compassionate, and equitable working environment'

Becky Middleton, Director of Education and Student Experience in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, nominated the team for the award.

She said: " By removing a basic but often invisible barrier, this initiative reduces disruption to individuals as well as protecting dignity. By implementing this initiative, the team has helped create a more supportive, compassionate, and equitable working environment across the Faculty. I want to thank them for their significant and sustained contribution to supporting women at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø by addressing period poverty and supporting the day-to-day experience of women in academia."

The Medal and Awards are named in honour of Professor Dame Julia Higgins FRS, FREng, Professor of Polymer Science, now an Emeritus Professor in Chemical Engineering, and previously Dean of the City and Guilds College and Principal of the Faculty of Engineering. See the full list of winners here.