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News 2025
School of Food and Nutritional Sciences Receives Athena Swan Silver Award
University College Cork’s (UCC) School of Food and Nutritional Sciences (FNS) is honoured to be the first School within UCC to achieve a Silver Award, setting a benchmark for excellence in gender equality and diversity in higher education.
The Athena Swan Awards recognise institutions that demonstrate a dedication to advancing gender equality and promoting diversity. This Silver Award highlights its continuous efforts to implement best practices in these areas.
As part of the application process, FNS demonstrated its prioritisation of staff and student wellbeing, gender balance, inclusion and diversity. These efforts underscore the School’s unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive academic community. The School remains steadfast in its mission to support diversity and equality in all aspects of its operations.
The review panel, in granting the Silver award, commended FNS’s application and said that it was a “clear and comprehensive application that conveys a sense of progress and impact”. They also highlighted the School’s commitment to EDI and continuing to improve “the fair and respectful working environment and culture”.
Professor Alan Kelly, Head of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences said: “this has been a huge achievement for the School and recognises the efforts of all staff in making it an inviting, encouraging and collegial place to work. The positive and supportive attitudes in the School encourage a strong learning, teaching and research environment.”
Sarah Fink, Head of Athena Swan Ireland, said: “This Silver Athena Swan award highlights the fantastic commitment of University College Cork, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, in bringing about change through impactful and sustainable gender equality initiatives in higher education across Ireland. Congratulations to all those who work so hard to achieve and sustain this recognition.”
Jennie Rothwell, Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Higher Education Authority, said: "Action plans developed through the Athena Swan Ireland Charter enable higher education institutions and departments to take an evidence-based approach to addressing gender equality challenges. Congratulations to University College Cork, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences in taking this step forward to advance gender equality for all staff and students."
Professor Sarah Culloty, Head of College of Science, Engineering and Food Science said: "we are immensely proud of the School of Food and Nutritional Sciences for achieving the prestigious Silver Award from Athena Swan, becoming the first School at UCC to do so. Their commitment to staff and student wellbeing, gender balance, and inclusivity sets a remarkable benchmark for excellence. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this success."