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Athena Swan Award

J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics at University of Galway is proud to have been awarded the Athena SWAN Silver Award, becoming only the second School of Business in the Republic of Ireland to achieve this prestigious recognition. This internationally respected award reflects our continued progress and leadership in promoting gender equality, diversity, and inclusion for both staff and students. It marks a significant advancement from our Bronze Award in 2020.

Athena Swan Silver Award University of Galway J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics

From left, Padraic De Búrca, Dr Edel Doherty, Dr Helen Maher, Professor Alma McCarthy, Éilis O’Regan, University of Galway. Credit: Mike Shaughnessy.

The Athena SWAN Silver Award recognises evidenced cultural and structural change across the School. Our achievement is the result of a rigorous and comprehensive self-assessment process and the implementation of over 50 gender equality actions. It demonstrates our long-term commitment to embedding inclusive practices in recruitment, career progression, flexible working, leadership development, student engagement, curriculum design, and more.

Professor Alma McCarthy, Dean of the J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, commented:

“The Athena SWAN process is a rigorous external assessment process requiring evidence of action and progress. We worked on over 50 gender equality actions to achieve the Silver award. I commend all my colleagues for their commitment to equality and living our value of respect for all.”

University of Galway’s Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Dr Helen Maher, added:

“All of us at University of Galway are sharing in the congratulations for J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics. We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university has made on gender equality. Achieving a second Silver Award in our University demonstrates that we remain focused and committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”

This award also reinforces the School’s alignment with the University’s strategic commitment to creating a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable academic and professional environment. It builds on the momentum of our 2021–2025 Gender Equality Action Plan and reflects the broader ambitions of the Irish Athena SWAN Charter, which now places greater emphasis on institutional culture and inclusion across all identities and backgrounds.

Our self-assessment team, comprising over 25 members from both academic and professional staff, worked collaboratively—through the challenges of the pandemic—to identify barriers and implement meaningful change. This recognition affirms the collective dedication of our community to ensure all staff and students feel valued, welcomed, and supported throughout their time with us.

Background to Athena Swan

The Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Charter is the internationally recognised quality mark for gender equality in higher education.

The Athena SWAN Charter was established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research.

In May 2015 the Charter was expanded to recognise work undertaken in arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law (AHSSBL), in professional and support roles, and for trans staﬀ and students. The Charter now recognises work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly not just barriers to progression that may affect women and the charter is based on ten key principles.

Athena SWAN is awarded by the Advance HE, Equality Challenge Unit and the award is for four years. The submission was prepared and submitted by the School’s Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team. Athena SWAN awards are available in Bronze, Silver and Gold at both institution and departmental level. Find out more here about Athena SWAN.