Welcoming news of the Gold Award, Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to become the first university on the island of Ireland and the second in the UK to achieve an institutional Athena Swan Gold Award. The wider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda underpins everything that we do here at Queen’s. Many might think of EDI as some modern, contemporary idea but it’s been a foundation principle at this University for more than 100 years – embedded within our historic Charter, and today stands as a cornerstone of Queen’s Strategy 2030.

“As we celebrate this incredible achievement, it’s important to also reflect on how far we’ve come – opening in 1845 with men-only enrolment for more than three decades, to today standing as an institution that leads the way in gender equality and with a woman at the helm as Chancellor. I extend my warmest congratulations to all of my colleagues across Queen’s who have worked hard to deliver what is truly a remarkable feat. And this work will of course continue.”

Adding to the Vice-Chancellor’s comments, Professor Karen McCloskey, Director of Queen’s Gender Initiative and Deputy Director of the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, said:

“Colleagues, both past and present, have worked tirelessly to make these vital improvements to ensure people at Queen’s can thrive in an inclusive and supportive culture. I would like to acknowledge the ongoing contribution of committed champions and networks of staff and students who build on the legacy of outstanding women graduates and leaders. Our ambitious Gold action plan challenges us to extend our reach, to nurture future leaders and further advance  gender equality. 

“To have come from a men-only university at the outset, through to the pioneering Riddel sisters who established a hall of residence for women students through to the long list of high achievers in medicine, the arts, engineering and across a full range of disciplines, today feels like the culmination of a long and worthy journey.  But it is not the end. The Gold award is a fantastic achievement for the University and will spur us on to continue this important work.”

Interested in hearing more about Athena Swan at Queen's? 

In October 2023, the Athena Swan team at Queen’s held a virtual Townhall meeting with staff to update them on the Athena Swan programme and gender equality activities at Queen’s. This included areas of progress and priorities for the next five years. The recording is available here: add link.