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SETU has been awarded the prestigious Athena Swan Ireland Bronze Institutional Award at the Athena Swan Ireland Awards Ceremony 2025.

The award recognises the University’s commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering an inclusive academic and research environment. SETU had the honour of hosting the Athena Swan Ireland Awards Ceremony 2025 at its Carlow Campus, welcoming higher education institutions (HEIs) from across Ireland. The event celebrated the collective achievements of institutions working to advance gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within the higher education sector.

L-R: From SETU, Róisín Shanahan, Sexual Violence & Harassment Prevention & Response Manager; Anne Murphy, Consent Matters Project Officer; Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Dr Eileen Doyle-Walsh, Head (Carlow) Faculty of Arts and Humanities and Faculty of Business; and David Denieffe, Chief Operations Officer.

This year’s ceremony, themed 'Challenges and Opportunities – Reflections from Athena Swan Ireland Awardees' brought together representatives from universities and institutes of technology nationwide to reflect on progress achieved through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to equality.

The Athena Swan Ireland Charter provides a national framework for promoting gender equality in higher education and research. The awards presented at this year’s ceremony highlight impactful and sustainable initiatives driving cultural and structural change across Ireland’s higher education sector, helping to create more inclusive and supportive environments for both staff and students.

From SETU, Anne Murphy, Consent Matters Project Officer and Dr Allison Kenneally, Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

“SETU’s Bronze Award represents a significant milestone on the university’s Athena Swan journey and reflects the dedication of our staff and students to building a fair, respectful, and equitable academic community”

Dr Allison Keneally Vice President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at SETU.

SETU extends heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s awardees. The collective effort and continued collaboration across Ireland’s higher education sector are helping to shape a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable society.