Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Athena Swan

UCD School of Earth Sciences is delighted to have been awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award

Advance HE’s Athena Swan charter was established in the UK in 2005 to promote and acknowledge efforts to support the career advancement of women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) within higher education and research. This framework was expanded to Ireland in 2015. Over time, the charter has broadened its scope to include contributions from the arts, humanities, social sciences, business, and law (AHSSBL), as well as professional and support roles. It also recognizes efforts to support trans staff and students. Today, the charter addresses gender equality more broadly, tackling a wide range of barriers to career progression.

During 2023-24, the School underwent a staff and student consultation process to hear from everyone about equality, diversity, and inclusivity within the School. A representative Self Assessment Team (SAT) was selected to manage this consultation process and lead the application for a Bronze Award. SAT members were: Peter Haughton (HoS, Co-Chair), Claire Harnett (Co-Chair), Tom Manzocchi, Sarah Procter, Sam Kelley, Frank McDermott, Mark Coughlan, Elspeth Wallace, Stephen McHugh, Shonny Lehane, Francesca Martini, David van Acken, Aileen Doran, Giorgia Ballabio, and Ruadhan Magee. The consultation included student and staff surveys, and focus groups for undergraduate, taught-graduate, and post-graduate research students, academic staff, and professional, managerial, and support staff.

Analysis of the consultation led to a formal Gender Equality Action Plan that will be implemented over the next 4 years. This Action Plan is based around measurable targets to ensure success. Five key focus areas were identified:

  1. Improving the gender balance in the School and support for wider staff and student career development opportunities.
  2. Enhancements to the culture, sense of community, and integration across the School
  3. Strengthening of the formal EDI systems in the School and better communication and awareness of EDI.
  4. A review how work is currently distributed amongst staff and a consideration of a more formal workload model.
  5. Addressing EDI issues specifically related to fieldwork.

Claire Harnett and Sam Keely accepting the Athena Swan Bronze Award for UCD School of Earth Sciences

Claire Harnett and Sam Kelley were delighted to pick up the award in person at the Athena Swan Ireland Awards Ceremony on 19th November 2024, hosted by Trinity College Dublin.