What is Athena SWAN?

The Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Charter recognises and celebrates good employment practice for women working in science, engineering and technology (SET) in higher education and research.

The beliefs underpinning the Charter are:

  • The advancement of science, engineering and technology (SET) is fundamental to quality of life across the globe.
  • It is vitally important that women are adequately represented in what has traditionally been, and is still, a male-dominated area.
  • Science cannot reach its full potential unless it can benefit from the talents of the whole population, and until women and men can benefit equally from the opportunities it affords.

Any university or research institution which is committed to the advancement of the careers of women in SET in higher education and research can apply for membership.

As a result of the Vice-Chancellor’s Think Tank on Gender Balance in Academic Careers the University became a member of Athena SWAN in January 2009. The work we have done to encourage the employment and career progression of women employed in SET has since been recognised by a Bronze Award, awarded in September 2009.

For more information about Athena SWAN:

Visit the website

Contact Julie Bullimore, julie.bullimore@newcastle.ac.uk