The School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is the only engineering school on the island of Ireland to receive this recognition. This highlights the School’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality.  

This award builds on the School’s dedication to advancing gender equality, following its Bronze Award in 2010 and Silver Awards in 2011, 2014, and 2019, culminating in this year’s achievement of the Gold Award.

The Athena Swan Charter is a rigorous peer-reviewed external framework that recognises the commitment shown by universities and their individual Schools and Departments to advancing gender equality. The Charter expanded its focus in 2015 from STEM disciplines to include arts, humanities, social science, business and law, and included the experiences of both academic and professional and support staff (PSS) for the first time, as well as students at departmental level.

To achieve Gold status, applicants must evidence longitudinal improvements in gender equality and sector-leading gender equality practice.

Queen’s has held an institutional Gold Athena Swan Award since 2024, making it the first university on the island of Ireland - and one of three in the UK to achieve this level of recognition for its outstanding work in promoting gender equality.

Reflecting on this achievement, Professor Trevor Robinson, Head of the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s said:

“This Gold award is recognition of the commitment of every member of the School to Swan principles, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity more generally, over many years. As an Engineering School, educating students in what is still a male-dominated field, it is important that we demonstrate a firm commitment to gender equality, and this award is a fantastic demonstration of that. We could not be prouder of this achievement.”

Professor Peter Robertson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Queen’s, praised the Schools of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the School of Nursing and Midwifery on their recent award achievements:

“These achievements reflect the University’s dedication, leadership, and collaborative efforts to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of university life. We are exceptionally proud of our colleagues, whose commitment to advancing gender equality continues to set the standard for higher education.”

Queen’s now proudly holds six Gold, five Silver, and four Bronze School Awards, with Queen’s Business School also recently receiving a Silver Award, further demonstrating the University’s commitment to progressing gender equality across its schools.”