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Institutional Steering Group

The Institutional Self-Assessment Team (SAT) was reconstituted as the Athena Swan Institutional Steering Group following the University's renewed Bronze Athena SWAN Award in 2021.

The Steering Group meets on a quarterly basis to monitor the implementation of actions set out in the University's Athena Swan action plan. The Group also discusses issues raised at School and College level relating to Athena Swan/Gender Equality.

Members of the University of Galway Institutional Athena Swan Steering Group

Name Gender Identity Role at NUI Galway
Helen Maher (Co-chair) F          VP Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Donal Leech (Co-chair) M       Dean of Graduate Studies
Aoife Cooke    F Head of Equal Opportunities
Laura Loftus    F EDI Programme Manager for Gender Equality 
Pól Ó Dochartaigh M Deputy President and Registrar
Mark McGuinness M HR Representative 
Jared Gerlach M VP Research Representative
Claire O'Connor F Director of Planning and Institutional Research
Kasia Whysall    F       Vice-Dean EDI, CMNHS
John Walsh M Vice-Dean EDI, CASSCS
Mary Dempsey F Vice-Dean EDI, CSE
Deirdre Curran F Vice-Dean EDI, CBPPL
Joe Mee M Student's Union representative
Michael Creane    M Research Committee representative

Steering Group membership aims to ensure inclusion and representation from across the University community reflecting gender, staff category, grade, senior management and work-life balance experience. The four College Vice Deans EDI were ex-officio members, providing a crucial link between the Institutional Steering Group and School Athena Swan activity. ‌

All Staff Culture Survey: Q1 2023

As part of the consultation process for the University's Athena Silver submission in 2025, the Steering Group will conduct a survey of all staff in April 2023 on workplace culture in University of Galway. Find out more here. 

The purpose of this survey was to help the Steering Group understand staff members experience their working environment and identify what can be improved to ensure equality of opportunity in terms of gender. Survey responses will inform the Athena Swan actions and initiatives that will be included in our 2025 submission.