Bangor University has been successful in achieving an Athena Swan Institution-level Silver Award. The University is only the second University in Wales to have achieved Silver, with fewer than 40 Universities UK-wide having progressed to Silver.
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework used worldwide to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research. Institutions can apply for Bronze, Silver or Gold Charter mark awards. Bangor University has held a Bronze award since 2011 (successfully renewed in 2014 and 2018). To achieve Silver, Institutions are required to demonstrate progress and evidence significance success in addressing gender inequality.
As part of the submission, Bangor University developed a five-year action plan covering eight priority areas which reflect the university’s ongoing commitment and ambition to further progress gender equality.
“A huge achievement for Bangor University”
Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor, said, "Being awarded Athena Swan Silver is a huge achievement for Bangor University. Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is key to our long-term sustainability and success and I am delighted that our commitment and hard work have been recognised. I would like to congratulate and thank all who contributed to the successful application.”
Professor Morag Mcdonald (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Science and Engineering and Associate PVC for Diversity and inclusion) who led on the application said: "I am really thrilled and proud that we have been awarded an Institutional Silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our work towards gender equality at Bangor. We have made significant progress in many areas over the last decade and it’s fantastic to get recognition for all that has been achieved across the University.”
The Athena Swan charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) in higher education. The charter was expanded in 2015 to include all academic departments and professional services staff. It was again expanded in 2021 and the Transformed Athena Swan Charter now supports greater inclusivity for people in all roles, of all gender identities, and those facing intersectional inequalities. It also empowers participants to make active commitments in line with their gender equality goals, as well as recognise and reward gender equality work.
