115 awards have been conferred across the UK and Ireland in the latest round of Athena SWAN applications.
Both the biology and chemistry departments at the University of York retain their Gold status and the Universities of Cambridge and Sheffield retain their institutional Silver awards.
Cork Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Carlow and Nottingham Trent University become Bronze institutional award holders for the first time.
The Athena SWAN Charter is a flagship accreditation scheme which recognises action to address gender equality within academia and research.
Gold departmental awards recognise significant and sustained progression and achievement in promoting gender equality while addressing challenges particular to the discipline.
Silver institutional awards recognise a significant record of activity and achievement by the institution in promoting gender equality and in addressing challenges across different disciplines.
Bronze institutional awards recognise that the institution has a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.
James Greenwood-Lush, head of Athena SWAN at Advance HE, said,
“Achieving an Athena SWAN award shows a real commitment to advancing gender equality and I have enjoyed reading many of the applications received in the most recent round. We are seeing a real step-change in the ambition and innovation of initiatives that institutions are implementing. It is clear that the sector has come a long way.
“I also pay tribute to our panellists and to colleagues across the sector whose tireless work enables the Charter to be used as such a powerful framework for change.”
UK awards were presented in a ceremony at the University of York on 24 June 209. Ireland awards were presented on 24 October 2019.
See the story of Athena SWAN infographic.
Advance HE has commissioned an independent review of the Athena SWAN Charter, led Professor Julia Buckingham CBE. The review will ensure the Charter is fit for the current and future needs of institutions, individuals and the sector.