Athena Swan
We are proud to have been awarded an Athena Swan Bronze Award (September 2023) which recognises our commitment to promoting gender equality across our University.
Here is the Aberystwyth University application for an Athena Swan Bronze Award, which includes our Athena Swan Action Plan 2023-2028.
What is Athena Swan?
The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research. Established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women.
Why does this matter?
- helps institutions achieve their gender equality objectives
- assists institutions to meet equality legislation requirements, as well as the requirements and expectations of some funders and research councils
- uses a targeted self-assessment framework to support applicants identify areas for positive action as well as recognise and share good practice
- supports the promotion of inclusive working practices that can increase your the retention of valued academics and professional and support staff, demonstrating your an institution’s commitment to an equitable working environment
How does this affect Aberystwyth University
Advance HE’s Athena Swan Charter covers all gender identities in:
- academic roles in STEMM and AHSSBL
- professional, managerial and support staff roles
In relation to their:
- representation
- progression of students into academia
- journey through career milestones
- working environment for all staff
Athena Swan Implementation Group (ASIG):
The Athena Swan Implementation Group (ASIG) will oversee the implementation of the Action Plan.
| Name | Job Role/Department | |
|---|---|---|
| Aisleen Sturrock | Campaigns and Democracy Coordinator, Students’ Union | ais13 |
| Amanda Gibson | Lecturer Innate Immunology Sêr Cymru, Department of Life Sciences | amg39 |
| Christine Zarges | Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science | chz8 |
| Dylan Jones | HR Business Partner (EDI & OD) | dej20 |
| Gabor Gelleri | Senior Lecturer, Modern Languages | gag9 |
| Hannah Dee | Senior Lecturer, Department of Computer Science | hmd1 |
| Helen Marshall | Lecturer, Department of Life Sciences | hem |
| James Woolley | Digital Education Lead | jbw |
| Joanne Walker | Strategic Research Development, IBERS | jnw |
| Lucy Trotter | Lecturer in Education, School of Education | lut22 |
| Patrick Finney | Chair, Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) | pbf |
| Rachel Harris | HR Operations Advisor | rah57 |
| Sarah Dalesman | Lecturer in Freshwater Biology, Department of Life Sciences | sad31 |
Self-Assessment Team
As part of the University's preparation for the next Athena Swan submission, we are establishing a Self-Assessment Team (SAT) to help guide, inform and support the development of our work.
We are keen to build a diverse and representative group and welcome interest from colleagues across all staff groups, grades, roles, academic departments and professional services.
Express your interest here by Friday 6 November 2026
Athena Swan Contacts:
If you would like further information on the University’s works towards the Athena Swan Chartermark please contact
- Dylan Jones, HR Business Partner (EDI & OD) on dej20@aber.ac.uk