UCL Computer Science awarded Athena Swan Gold

UCL Computer Science is delighted to have achieved an Athena Swan Gold award.

The Athena Swan framework guides and rewards commitment to gender equality in the higher education and research sector. In 2021, the framework was updated to include greater inclusivity for people in all roles, of all gender identities, and those facing intersectional inequalities.

The Gold award is the culmination of many years of embedding good practice in the department. It’s also the result of committed teamwork by staff and students. UCL Computer Science was first awarded an Athena Swan Bronze in 2012. An Athena Swan Silver followed in 2015, and a second Silver in 2019.

Within UCL Computer Science, we have integrated wide-ranging initiatives supporting Athena Swan objectives, such as inclusive and family friendly policies for staff and students. We are also proud of our career development programme for professional services staff.

In recognition of our initiatives aimed at academic and research staff, we have received two Minerva Informatics Equality Awards.

Our gender equality commitments extend beyond the university. We are keen to showcase different career paths and diverse role models in computer science. As part of this, we work with local schools to change perceptions of computing among both girls and boys. Our mentoring programme, A-Comps, supports pupils from under-represented backgrounds into higher education. 

We also share best practice on an international scale. We have co-created four Athena Swan networks with university departments in South America.  

UCL Computer Science will hold the Gold award until April 2029, when we will be judged against our latest action plan.

Professor Ifat Yasin, Chair of the UCL Computer Science Athena Swan Committee, said: "Achieving a Gold Athena Swan award is a great honour and acknowledges the dedication and commitment of our department in creating long-lasting and impactful change."

Professor Steve Hailes, UCL Computer Science Head of Department, added: “This award is a testament to the work that Ifat and others put into the preparation of the submission, to the leadership shown by the Athena Swan Committee over many years and to the work of the many individuals who are passionate actors of change and on whose efforts our submission was built. This is amazing news, and I couldn't be happier. However, there is still much work to be done.”

UCL President & Provost, Dr Michael Spence, said: “This is terrific news and recognises the huge dedication and tremendous leadership of the department. I’m immensely proud that this is UCL’s fifth Athena Swan Gold award. No other university has five departmental Golds.”