Athena SWAN (Scientific Women's Academic Network), is a UK programme established in 2005 that celebrates recognition and commitment to advancing women’s careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) in higher education and research. 

The latest award round was the biggest Athena SWAN has ever had which resulted in a record number of successful awards being presented to individual departments and higher education institutions throughout the UK.

Athena SWAN stated that the Bronze renewal had clearly reached the required standard this year. Swansea University won its first Athena Swan Bronze Award in 2009 and have since made substantial progress in supporting the development of female academic, research and support staff.

Over the last four years, there has been a steady increase in the percentage of female academic and research staff appointed to the University and the aim is to further increase the number of female professors within the next five years.

Mr David Williams, Mrs Misbha Khanum and Miss Charlotte James from Swansea University were presented with the award at a celebratory event at The Royal Society of Edinburgh earlier this month‌ and the award will be valid until April 2016.

Diane Kelly, Professor in Microbiology at Swansea University’s College of Medicine, who led the team that made the University submission said:  ‘‘I am delighted that the University has retained the Athena SWAN Bronze award. This was the result of 3 years hard work that built on the original action plan from 2009. I want to thank the University Self Assessment Team for their commitment and particularly to the Equal Opportunities Team in HR for their unstinting support. Going forward the University is encouraging and supporting each of the STEMM Colleges to adopt the Athena SWAN principles and apply for their own awards. In this way we can expect to see real change in culture and attitudes towards women, at all grades in STEMM subjects.’’