The School of Psychology has become the first at the University of Aberdeen to be awarded an Athena Swan Gold award, for its work advancing gender equality in higher education and research.
The School’s successful application was led by Dr Clare Sutherland, Dr Doug Martin and Dr Eva Rubinova, with essential support from across the School and Senior EDI Partner, Dr Maria-Grazia Cascio.
The Gold award is the highest level of recognition within the Athena Swan Charter and recognises institutions or Schools that demonstrate excellence in representation, progression and success for all genders. It demonstrates sector leadership in gender equality, diversity and inclusion and it is evidence of sustained, measurable cultural transformation.
The School has consistently led the way in gender equality at the University: it was also the first School to be granted an Athena Swan Bronze award in 2016 and a Silver award in 2020.
Head of the School of Psychology, Dr Doug Martin, said: “We are delighted to have received an Athena Swan Gold award. Gold awards are extremely rare, with fewer than 5% of academic departments achieving them; we are only the sixth psychology department in the UK to receive a Gold award.
“This award reflects more than a decade of work towards progressing gender equality and ensuring inclusion is embedded in our working environment and culture. Our Athena Swan efforts were originally pioneered by Dr Madge Jackson in 2014 but over time have become a School-wide endeavour.
“Actively enabling gender equality has become the norm in our School, and we are a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive place to work and study as a consequence. Since 2015, the number of female Teaching and Research Professors in our School has increased from one (20%) to four (50%), we have achieved gender parity in academic promotions, and we have reduced gender gaps in student applications and student attainment.
“We have also worked hard to promote EDI across the University of Aberdeen and beyond. Staff from our School lead three of the University’s eight EDI networks and founded two of these (Menopause Network & Neurodiversity Network). We also have several staff who are EDI representatives on the committees of national and international learned societies.
“This achievement is a remarkable team effort, with colleagues from across the School working tirelessly to make it happen. My thanks and congratulations go to all who supported us to achieve this milestone, not only in the application but in their daily actions that made it possible.”
Professor Peter Edwards, Principal and Vice-Chancellor said: “I am absolutely delighted that the University of Aberdeen has been recognised for its commitment to gender equality with its first Athena Swan Gold award.
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to colleagues in the School of Psychology, as well as the Central EDI team who have contributed to these successes.”