The University of Exeter Celebrates Athena Swan Silver Award for Advancing Gender Equality in Mathematics and Statistics

The University of Exeter Celebrates Athena Swan Silver Award for Advancing Gender Equality in Mathematics and Statistics

(IN BRIEF) The University of Exeter’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics has received the Athena Swan Silver Award in recognition of its meaningful progress in promoting gender equality and fostering an inclusive culture. The distinction builds on the department’s earlier Bronze Award and reflects sustained efforts to enhance equality, diversity, and inclusion through improved governance, initiatives to address staff gender balance, and programmes supporting students and departmental culture. Key contributions from EDI leadership and dedicated working groups have driven this advancement, while a newly launched action plan under incoming EDI Director Professor Marc Goodfellow aims to ensure continued progress and long-term impact.

(PRESS RELEASE) EXETER, 20-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Exeter’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics has been awarded an Athena Swan Silver Award, marking a significant milestone in its sustained efforts to advance gender equality and create a more inclusive academic environment.

The Athena Swan Charter is an internationally recognised framework designed to support and drive progress on gender equality across higher education and research institutions. Achieving Silver status reflects the department’s continued commitment to embedding inclusive practices and demonstrating measurable improvements since previously holding a Bronze Award.

Professor Mat Collins, Head of the Department, welcomed the recognition, noting that the achievement reflects years of focused work to strengthen equality, diversity, and inclusion across departmental activities. The award acknowledges the leadership of Professor Jen Catto in her role as Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, alongside the contributions of the Workplace Excellence, Inclusion, Diversity, Equality & Respect group and the Athena Swan writing team, whose efforts helped shape and implement key initiatives.

Building on this progress, the department has introduced a new action plan aimed at sustaining momentum and further integrating inclusive values into its culture and operations. This work will now be guided by the newly appointed Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, Professor Marc Goodfellow, who will oversee continued development in gender equality and broader EDI priorities.

The award submission highlighted a range of initiatives praised by the review panel, including strengthened governance around EDI, targeted actions to improve gender balance among staff, and student-focused programmes designed to promote a more supportive and inclusive academic culture. These measures reflect the department’s ambition to ensure that equality considerations are embedded throughout teaching, research, and workplace practices.

Media Contact:

pressoffice@exeter.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Exeter