DCU Business School has Athena Swan Bronze Award Successfully Renewed

Athena Swan Bronze Recognition group photo award ceremony

23rd April 2026:

DCU Business School is first school across the university to have the Athena Swan Bronze Award successfully renewed.

DCU Business School has had its Athena Swan Bronze Award renewed, with the award valid until November 2030. We are the first school across the University to achieve this success, marking a significant milestone in the School’s commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education.

The award, conferred through Athena Swan Ireland and delivered by Advance HE in partnership with the Higher Education Authority, recognises the School’s sustained efforts to embed inclusive practices and develop impactful, evidence-based initiatives that support equality for staff and students.

The Athena Swan Ireland Charter provides a unique framework for progressing gender equality across higher education and research. DCU Business School’s successful application reflects a strategic and data-driven approach to identifying challenges and implementing meaningful actions.

The award will be formally celebrated at a national Athena Swan Ireland ceremony later this year.

Sarah Fink, Head of Athena Swan Ireland, said:

“This Bronze Athena Swan award highlights the fantastic commitment of Dublin City University, DCU Business School 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 Dublin City University, DCU Business School in taking this step forward to advance gender equality for all staff and students.”

Athena Swan Ireland Assessment Panel commended:

“… an extensive, detailed, honest and reflective application, backed by comprehensive and illuminating data and analysis” …”the School has made significant progress in achieving its prior goals and has a clear and SMART action plan for further progress and success.”

Responding to the news of the award, Executive Dean Professor Theo Lynn said:

“We are delighted that DCU Business School has achieved Athena Swan Ireland Bronze Renewal recognition. This award reflects the commitment of colleagues and students across the School to advancing gender equality and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. Bronze is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of our ambitions as we continue working towards a more inclusive, equitable and supportive School for everyone.”

Chair of the School Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team Dr Yuhui Gao said:

The self-assessment process allowed us to reflect critically on our progress and challenges. It also provided an opportunity to prioritise our efforts in embedding Athena Swan principles through our daily work, aligning with the University’s Athena Swan Silver Action Plan. Th Bronze renewal award is an encouraging recognition of our efforts and commitment in advancing gender and intersectional equality across the School.