Head of Directorate joins board of trustees of the Daphne Jackson Trust
Dr Carole Thomas has been made a trustee of a national charity that supports women (and men) wishing to return to STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers.
Dr Carole Thomas, head of directorate at the world-leading plant and microbiology research institute in Norwich, said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of trustees of the Daphne Jackson Trust and looking forward to working with the Trust helping those who have had career breaks to get back into science.”
Dr Thomas has spearheaded our internal committee looking at family-friendly initiatives.
Her appointment is the latest achievement for the John Innes Centre, which has recently been awarded the equivalent of a Silver Athena SWAN award in a pilot to assess how research institutes outside the university sector can achieve Athena SWAN awards.
The John Innes Centre was one of seven Research Institutes to take part in the pilot and the only one to be awarded the equivalent of a ‘Silver’ award.
Director Professor Dale Sanders said: “Carole has led some important changes at the John Innes Centre and I am very pleased that she will be able to provide her expertise in equality and diversity to the Daphne Jackson Trust.”
Dr Katie Perry, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: “The Daphne Jackson Trust’s unique fellowship scheme helps UK Universities and research institutions increase the diversity of their workforce by offering flexible fellowships to women and men wishing to return to research after a career break.”
“I look forward to working with Carole and am sure that her expertise will be an excellent addition to our board of Trustees. It is an exciting time for the Trust as it develops as a forward looking organisation.”