Athena SWAN

The Equality Challenge Unit established the Athena SWAN Charter in 2005 to encourage and recognize commitment to advancing the careers of women in higher education and research. Initially the charter concentrated on STEMM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) but since May 2015 the charter was expanded to cover arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law.

The expanded charter now seeks to address gender equality in a broad sense, rather than simply barriers that affect women, and the Charter has included trans staff and students since 2015. The Charter also now covers staff in professional and support roles.

Athena SWAN operates an awards scheme, which celebrates good practice at institutional and departmental level, recognising commitment to gender equality in recruiting, retaining and promoting staff. The University of Huddersfield was granted an institutional bronze Athena SWAN award in October 2015.

If you would like more information or to get involved, please contact Dr Yun Gao