Introduction

The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences is committed to creating a culture where well-being, inclusion, diversity, and equality are not just values, but everyday practice. We strive to ensure that every member of our community—students and staff alike—feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We actively promote mental and physical well-being, challenge discrimination, and work to remove barriers to participation and success. Through ongoing dialogue, training, and inclusive policies, we aim to foster an environment that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our university community, where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Wellbeing, Inclusion, Diversity and Equality

The School Wellbeing, Inclusion, Diversity and Equality (WIDE) Committee champions a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential. Working collaboratively across the University, the Committee helps to drive positive change, promote good practice, and advance our commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing

Athena SWAN

The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences (FNS) is honoured to be the first School within UCC to achieve a Silver Award (2025), setting a benchmark for excellence in gender equality and diversity in higher education.

From left: Dr Therese Uniacke-Lowe (Chair, FNS EDI Committee), Prof Alan Kelly (Head of School) and Leah Neville (Deputy Chair, FNS EDI Committee) receiving the School's Silver Athena SWAN Award at SETU, Carlow, on 12 November 2025.