Wednesday 22 May 2024

Technological University of the Shannon was announced as the Newcomer Gender Equality Champion for 2023. The awards were announced recently at a ceremony in Brussels, by Iliana Ivanova, innovation, research, culture, education and youth commissioner and Marc Lemaître, director general for research and innovation, European Commission.

In 2022 the European Commission launched an EU Award for Gender Equality Champions to recognise and celebrate significant achievements in the implementation of gender equality plans by academic and research organisations.

Head of international, equality, diversity and inclusion and communication of the Higher Education Authority, Sheena Duffy said: “This award for Technological University of the Shannon demonstrates the continued commitment of Irish universities to tackling gender inequality in higher education. Congratulations to TUS on this recognition of the collective work undertaken to implement the institution’s Gender Equality Plan.”

Ireland’s success in the EU Gender Equality Champions awards acknowledges the work being undertaken in Irish higher education institutions to tackle inequality.

The award for Technological University of the Shannon follows previous winners from Irish higher education institutions in the 2022 edition of the awards: Trinity College Dublin, Maynooth University and South East Technological University.

Minister O’Donovan said: “I wish to congratulate TUS on their achievement which once again signifies that our universities are leading the way at EU level on gender equality.  I am delighted to see TUS getting the recognition they deserve for the incredible work they are doing to create more equitable university campuses”.

The HEA’s 'Second National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions', published in 2022, reflects on the progress made by Irish higher education sector in tackling gender inequality and the perception of gender equality among higher education staff.

The Review sets out recommendations for the sector to ensure the continued advancement of gender equality in the higher education sector.