NUI Galway has received €1 million in funding aimed at advancing the university’s strategy in equality, diversity and inclusion.
The funding was welcomed by NUI Galway President Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh who said it would build on work done at the university to make progress on equality in recent years.
“The award of €1 million Government funding, a very significant portion of the funding available, to help progress the equality agenda is testament to the impactful work and dedication of our NUI Galway community in recent years.
“Diversity welcomes all the talents and, by doing so, makes for a better, stronger university. This work continues and is the responsibility of us all to support its progression in line with our focus on excellent work for the public good.”
The Head of Equal Opportunities at NUI Galway Aoife Cook added that the funding would provide significant help in addressing issues around equality and diversity.
“All of the people involved in progressing equality at our University are delighted with the award from Government and it is a huge boost to everyone as we embed equality, diversity, and inclusion in our culture and address equality challenges,” she said.
The funding was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris as part of The Performance Funding awards, a government plan to help third-level institutions in efforts to work towards a better society.
It follows the submission of a case study into the advancement of gender equality at NUI Galway in recent years and highlight initiatives that can contribute to greater equality in higher education at the national level. The university is one of just five institutions to be awarded funding.
The new funding follows the establishment of a Gender Equality Task Force at NUI Galway, a group that has overseen greater opportunities for women in the university.
NUI Galway has also received the Bronze Athena SWAN Award, which credits higher education institutions with carrying out good practice in the area of gender equality.
Between the academic years of 2016/2017 and 2020/2021 the proportion of female staff in the role of Senior Lecturer rose from 33% to 47%.
In addition the percentage of women in the position of Personal Professor increased from 16% to 28% over the same time span.
