Nuacht

University of Galway has been awarded an institutional Silver Athena Swan award - a milestone in the University’s commitment to advancing equality and fostering an inclusive culture.   The Silver award recognises a strong institutional commitment to equality and clear evidence of progress and impact, building on the foundations of two previous Bronze awards.   The formal accreditation was given to the University at the National Athena Swan awards event in SETU, Carlow. University initiatives and interventions commended by Athena Swan Ireland in the award of the Silver accreditation include increasing the representation of women in senior academic grades and in leadership positions.  This includes:   A 15% rise in the proportion of females across all senior grades from 2015 to 2024.  The proportion of female senior lecturers in University of Galway has increased from 31% in 2017 to 47% in 2025.    The proportion of female professors has increased from 13% in 2017 to 30% in 2025.  In two other areas there has been further significant change with the proportion of female Heads of Schools increasing from 35% in 2017, to 56% in 2025, and the proportion of female Deans up from 14% in 2017, to 50% in 2025.  Alongside the institutional recognition, 14 of the University’s schools now hold Athena Swan awards – with 2 schools recognised with a Silver award, and 12 schools with Bronze. In 2024-2025, the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics was awarded Silver; the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures and the School of Political Science and Sociology received their first Bronze awards; and the School of Nursing and Midwifery and School of Psychology renewed their Bronze awards.  Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: "I warmly congratulate our Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Helen Maher, her team and the whole University community for their dedication in achieving an Athena Swan Silver institutional award. These awards are a testament to the sustained work of the University in improving gender equality and enhancing the lived experience of students and staff.   “Athena Swan at University of Galway now addresses not only gender, but the broader culture and experience of staff from all staff categories, embedding equality, diversity and inclusion into the fabric of University life. I look forward to working together with staff and students to continue our collaborative efforts and commitment to further advance equality and foster an inclusive culture at the University." Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said: “Our new Silver Athena Swan accreditation is both an acknowledgement of how far we have come, and a reminder of our responsibility to continue to advance equality for all. This award reflects the vision and dedication of staff and students throughout our University community, and our shared commitment to making University of Galway a place where everyone feels valued and accepted. While we remain cognisant of the extensive work to do, we are proud of this progress and determined to build on it.” Athena Swan also praised the University’s 2025-2030 Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) action plan which is likely to drive substantial change in areas where issues have been identified. Robust internal Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) and governance structures within the University  were also noted, as was the annual funding of €3,000 for Athena Swan activities such as scholarships and events, at School and Unit level offered by the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Over the past decade, led by the Office of the Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway has taken a proactive and collaborative approach to tackling historic challenges in relation to gender equality, leading to a genuine and sustainable cultural shift over time. Athena Swan is an internationally recognised charter for gender equality in higher education and research. In Ireland, it is overseen by Advance HE and supported by the Higher Education Authority. The Silver award places University of Galway among a select group of institutions demonstrating sustained, evidence-based change.   Sarah Fink, Head of Athena Swan Ireland, said: “This Silver Athena Swan award highlights the fantastic commitment of University of Galway in bringing about change through impactful and sustainable gender equality initiatives in higher education across Ireland. Congratulations to all those who work so hard to achieve and sustain this recognition.”  Jennie Rothwell, Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Higher Education Authority, said: "Action plans developed through the Athena Swan Ireland Charter enable higher education institutions and departments to take an evidence-based approach to addressing gender equality challenges. Congratulations to University of Galway in taking this step forward to advance gender equality for all staff and students." Ends