Multiple awards for Exeter departments in international framework promoting gender equality.

Five departments at the University of Exeter have been recognised for their commitment to gender equality in the latest Athena Swan Charter Awards round.

The Athena Swan Charter recognises work undertaken by institutions in the United Kingdom to address gender equality across the higher education sector. The University of Exeter holds an institutional Athena Silver Swan Award for demonstrating meaningful contribution to this cause.

The latest departmental awards are in addition to a string of Athena Swan awards held across faculties at Exeter, following on from success for Physics and Astronomy and Geography in renewing their Silver awards last year. Silver status was conferred jointly on the department of Health and Care Professions and the University of Exeter Medical school, while the Ecology and Conservation department retained their silver rating. The departments of Engineering and Earth and Environmental Sciences also maintained their bronze rating. These departments will hold their respective status until December 2026.

The new awards mean that all the departments within the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences now hold an Athena Swan silver award. Also, the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy currently holds seven Athena Swan Awards, and the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences hold one Athena Swan Bronze Award with a further six departments currently preparing their Bronze applications.

Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said: “It’s fantastic to see all departments in our faculty achieve a silver status. It’s a major testament to our staff and their commitment to ensuring that a culture of equality and inclusivity thrives here.”

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “It’s an honour to see our departments being recognised for their work towards achieving gender equality. In line with our Strategy 2030 goals, we are deeply committed to creating a community that is fairer and inclusive for all. We’re proud of these awards and look forward to building on work done so far.”

For more information on Athena SWAN Charter and a full list of awards held by Exeter, see list here.