Heriot-Watt University awarded Athena Swan Silver status
Heriot-Watt University has achieved an Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of its significant progress in advancing gender equality for staff and students across its global community.
The award acknowledges the University's sustained commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, building on more than a decade of work under the Athena Swan Charter. Heriot-Watt has held an institutional Bronze Award since 2013 and has engaged with the Charter since its launch in 2005.
Athena Swan is a globally recognised framework that supports universities and research institutions to advance gender equality and tackle structural barriers. The Silver Award recognises institutions that can demonstrate measurable progress and lasting impact.
We will continue to champion equality, inclusion and opportunity for all members of our global community.
Over the past six years, Heriot-Watt has delivered a range of initiatives through its Athena Swan action plan, including increasing the representation of women in senior academic roles, reducing the gender pay gap, strengthening support for staff and students with caring responsibilities, and enhancing governance and accountability for gender equality.
Professor Richard A Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: "Achieving Athena Swan Silver status is an important milestone for Heriot-Watt. It recognises the sustained progress we have made in advancing gender equality and creating an environment where people can succeed and thrive."
"While there is more work to do, this achievement provides a strong platform for the future. Through our Strategy 2035 ambitions, we will continue to champion equality, inclusion and opportunity for all members of our global community."
Associate Principal (International and Partnerships) and Athena Swan Programme sponsor, Professor Mark Biggs, said: "This Silver Award is a tremendous achievement for Heriot-Watt and reflects the commitment and hard work of colleagues and students across our University community. It recognises the significant progress we have made over recent years and our shared ambition to advance equality, diversity and inclusion."
The University has identified a number of priorities for the next phase of its Athena Swan work, including embedding gender equality across its strategic goals and governance structures, supporting equitable recruitment and career progression, strengthening global engagement with equality, diversity and inclusion, and fostering inclusive learning and working environments.
The institutional Silver Award builds on success across Heriot-Watt's academic schools. The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences and the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences currently hold Athena Swan Silver Awards, while the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society and the School of Business, Design and Social Sciences hold Bronze Awards.
The recognition highlights Heriot-Watt's long-term commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive university for staff and students across all its campuses.