Gender
Our vision is to create a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Promoting and embedding gender equality is central to this vision.
About
Newcastle University is a proud member of the Athena Swan Charter, recognising our commitment to gender equality.
The Equality Challenge Unit established the Charter in 2005. Its aim was to combat the under representation of women working in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM). In May 2015 the Charter expanded to include arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law.
Since November 2020, the Transformed Charter has:
- updated the underpinning principles for Athena Swan
- reduced data requirements
- increased autonomy and flexibility for applicants
University award
Newcastle University received a Gold institutional Athena Swan Award in August 2025. We'd like to thank the many contributors to our Awards since we started in 2009. We aim to continue making progress in gender equality and support our sector colleagues as well.
We are delighted to become the fourth University to reach this achievement. You'll be able to read our Gold submission application and action plan for 2025-30 shortly.
Please email edi-team@newcastle.ac.uk if you have any questions.
Read our previous action plan: Institutional Athena Swan Action Plan (2019-25).
Departmental awards
The University currently holds six Athena Swan awards at either Bronze or Silver.
The Faculty of Medical Sciences holds a Silver Athena Swan award. This award covers all our academic units and professional services communities, including:
Our three Institutes:
- Biosciences Institute (NUBI)
- Population Health Sciences Institute (NUPHSI)
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute (NUTCRI)
Our six Schools:
- Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences
- Dental Sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Graduate School
- our Malaysian campus, NUMed
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences holds Silver Athena Swan award. This covers all our academic units and professional services communities, including the following 10 Schools:
- Arts and Culture
- Geography, Politics and Sociology
- History, Classics and Archaeology
- English Literature, Language and Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Architecture, Planning and Landscapes
- Newcastle University Business School
- Newcastle Law School
- Education, Communication and Language Science
- School X
The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering holds three departmental Bronze Athena Swan awards and the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences holds a Silver Award. The Schools holding these include:
- Computing
- Engineering
- Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Natural and Environmental Sciences
Gender Equality Group
The University Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team (AS SAT) changed name to the Gender Equality Group (GEG) in April 2024.
This rename reflects the broader gender-based initiatives carried out by the group. This is alongside their existing commitment to the institutional Athena Swan charter.
Newcastle University commits to gender equality as outlined in the EDI Strategy. The GEG aims to incorporate EDI strategic priorities into their gender-based initiatives.
This includes a commitment to:
- foster an inclusive culture
- eliminate barriers to advancement
- embed equality, diversity and inclusion across the University
- ensure access to education and research
- positively engage with communities
Read the updated Gender Equality Group Terms of Reference.
Gender Equality Plan
Horizon Europe funding
All higher education institutions from EU Member States and associated countries must have a Gender Equality Plan to be eligible for Horizon Europe funding.
Newcastle University meets these requirements. This is through our Athena Swan Action Plan, alongside the work we have set out to meet our Equality Objectives.
NU Women
NU Women supports all women employed at Newcastle University. The network is open to anyone who works at the university and we provide a voice for staff working in every aspect of the university, at all levels.
NU Women is run by its members for its members. The NU Women Steering Group meets regularly throughout the year, and co-ordinates our events and ongoing activities. Our strategic aims are:
- to support women working at Newcastle University in their careers.
- to be a voice for women and feed into institutional structures.
- to raise awareness around gender and diversity issues.
- to build active communities and networks
NU Women can be contacted by email contact.nuwomen@ncl.ac.uk.