The Institute of Health and Wellbeing has been awarded a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award – the first Gold Departmental Award gained by the University.

The awards, made by the Equality Challenge Unit (ECU), recognise commitment to tackling gender inequality in higher education. Awards are given in recognition of commitment to providing the resources necessary to minimise gender bias and create an inclusive culture that values female staff.

This Gold Award sees the Institute of Health and Wellbeing join a very exclusive group, as there are only ten other Gold Athena Swan departmental award holders across the UK.

The University of Glasgow currently holds an Institutional Bronze Award from Athena SWAN while other institutes within the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences hold their own departmental awards.

The Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, while the Institute of Cancer Sciences, the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences and the Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology all hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award.

The Schools of Veterinary Medicine and the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing also both hold a Bronze Athena Swan Award.

Professor Jill Pell, Director of the Institute of Health and Wellbeing, said: “Professor Sally-Ann Cooper and her team have done a fantastic job in leading the Institute of Health and Wellbeing to its success in achieving Athena Swan Gold.

“As a result of their efforts, equality and diversity are embedded in all aspects of our work ensuring the Institute is a great place to work for all its staff and students.”

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, said: “The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences is committed to the principles of Athena Swan. I am very proud that, through hard work and sustained effort, our Institute of Health & Wellbeing has achieved a Gold Award in recognition of their status as a beacon within the University and beyond.”

Professor Anne Anderson, Gender Equality Champion for the University and Vice Principal and head of the College of Social sciences, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Institute of Health and Wellbeing has been recognised in this way. The gold award reflects the very genuine dedication of everyone in the Institute to ensuring a supportive environment where all colleagues can flourish.”

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Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk // 0141 330 6557 or 0141 330 4831

First published: 6 March 2018