The School’s Athena SWAN Journey
The UCD School of Veterinary Medicine was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Department Award by Advance HE on 29th April 2019, recognising our School’s commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion.
The award was achieved following a rigorous review and assessment period conducted by the School of Veterinary Medicine Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team (SAT), led by Professor Torres Sweeney, beginning in September 2017. Dr Cliona Skelly and Professor Stephen Gordon succeeded Professor Torres Sweeney as Co-Chairs in January 2021.
The School's SAT, whose remit has been widened to incorporate all EDI activities in the School, is now called the School of Veterinary Medicine EDI and Athena SWAN (VETEDIAS) SAT. In January 2024, the SAT submitted an application for the Silver Athena SWAN award, with accompanying Silver Action Plan (SiAP) for the period 2024-2028. In April 2024, the Silver award was conferred upon the School. This is recognition of the hard work put in by staff and students across the School in creating an environment where EDI is paramount. (opens in a new window)https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/latest-athena-swan-ireland-institutional-and-departmental-awards-conferred
To ensure the efficient delivery of the SiAP the SAT was reduced in size to 12 members in April 2024. This committee meets regularly and sit at the heart of the School’s Community. Staff and students are identified as stakeholders in the SiAP and are encouraged to take part in actions for the good of the community. The SAT continues to meet regularly to progress and implement our Silver Athena SWAN Action Plan and EDI initiatives, ensuring the ongoing transformation of our culture to consistently drive gender equality, diversity and inclusion for all faculty, staff and students.
We welcome feedback that helps us to address our EDI and Athena SWAN objectives - you can send any comments or suggestions to (opens in a new window)vetedias@ucd.ie. You can also find us on Instagram (opens in a new window)https://www.instagram.com/ucdvetedias/