Athena Swan in research institutes
In April 2014, Athena Swan membership was extended to include research institutes (RIs).
The extension of Athena Swan to RIs was done at the request of those working in – and with – RIs. They identified that there can be similar barriers to career progression for women in RIs and that the Charter could be adapted because of the close relationship between HEIs and RIs.
The Athena Swan package includes access to the accreditation process that can result in the award of the charter and a range of support to help institutes both enhance their practice and achieve recognition for their commitment in this area.
Athena Swan and Advance HE Membership
Advance HE Membership provides access to Athena Swan. Choose how to access our membership.
Apply for an Athena Swan award as a research institute
As a research institute, you can apply for the three Athena Swan awards, bronze, silver and gold. To make the process as simple as possible we have developed an information pack to guide you through your application.
To be eligible, institutes must:
- be independent of an HEI (research institutes and centres within HEI’s should apply using the departmental application form)
- be answerable to UK law
- have the autonomy to make structural changes to progress gender equality within their institute.
To find out more about applying for Athena Swan and to commence your application, please log in or join the Athena Swan Member Network on Connect (members access only).
Renew your Athena Swan award as a research institute
Athena Swan Research Institute award holders are now able to reapply for their award using a process which focuses on progress made against their initial action plans and their future priorities.
Research institute renewal application forms and a guide to the process are available on UK Athena Swan Member Network Group on Connect (members access only).
Athena Swan resources and FAQs
We also have an extensive FAQs document which contains answers to commonly raised questions about all aspects of Athena Swan, from submitting your application to results.
To make it easier for you to find everything you need, we have moved our guidance, templates, FAQ and good practice examples to support your Athena Swan Charter award submission to the UK Athena Swan Member Network Group on Connect (members access only).
If you are already a member, you can log in here, or sign up to access the group here.
More about Athena Swan
Applying for an Athena Swan Charter award
Transform gender equality in your institution through you an Advance HE Athena Swan award.
Good Practice Initiatives
Athena Swan good practice initiatives in higher education institutions.