Athena Swan Champions Network

University of Galway's Athena Swan Champions Network

_{Front Row (Sofa): Bernadine Brady, Paul Flynn, Sarah-Anne Buckley, Florence Abram
Middle Row: Laura Loftus, Marion, Ciara O’ Meara, Anne O’ Grady, Aoife Cooke, Dearbhaile Morris
Back Row:  Paul Murphy , Aoibhin Keighron, Edward Jones, Gwen Ryan, John McCrae}

University of Galway’s Athena Swan Champions meet on a quaterly basis to discuss progress and obstacles arising at School and Unit level in relation to Athena Swan. Items raised during these meetings feed into the discussions of the Athena Swan ISAT.

The aim of the Athena Swan Champions Network is to facilitate knowledge exchange and support between those involved in Athena Swan activities across the University. The Champions Network consists of the SAT (Self-Assessment Team) Chairs, the Vice Deans for Equality Diversity and Inclusion and the Office of the Vice President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion.

The Role of a Champion

Each School in the University of Galway typically has two Swan Co-Champions, appointed from within a School, who report directly to their Head of School. Athena Swan Champions are usually the Chair of their local Athena Swan Self-Assessment Teams (SAT) and are members of their School's Senior Management/Executive Boards.

The role of Athena Swan Co-Champion is a significant leadership position and Athena Swan activity is recognised under the contribution criterion for academic promotion. 

Purpose

This network enables new Champions to make connections with Champions in other schools, facilitates horizontal and vertical exchange of information, enables integration of institutional and school-level actions and fosters synergising of solutions.

Current Athena Swan Champions

Launch of the Athena Swan Champions Network, December 2022

‌Left to right: Dr. Sandra Galvin, Dr. Katarzyna Goljanek, Dr. Victoria Hogan, Dr. Deirdre Gilpin, Dr. Helen Maher, Dr. Laura Loftus and Aoife Cooke attended the first Athena Swan Champions Network- 1st December 2022