On 23 June 2025, the School of Engineering at Trinity College Dublin hosted a special celebration to mark the renewal of its Athena Swan Bronze Award - a recognition of the School’s continued commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The event fittingly coincided with International Women in Engineering Day, reinforcing the importance of inclusive practices within STEM education, research and professional life. 

The event was held in the Foyer of the historic Museum Building and brought together colleagues, students, alumni and guests to acknowledge the efforts and achievements of the School community in embedding EDI principles into its culture, structures and decision-making. 

 

A Warm Welcome from the Provost 

The event opened with a welcome address from Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin. Dr Doyle, who previously held the role of Professor of Engineering and The Arts, brought a unique perspective as both an academic leader and an engineer. 

Reflecting on the significance of the award and the day, Dr Doyle said: 

“What strikes me most about the School of Engineering is its vibrancy, ambition and commitment to change. The work that went into this Athena Swan renewal is a shining example of that drive. As an engineer, I’ve always admired the discipline’s solution-oriented mindset - and it’s clear the School embodies that spirit at every level.” 

Dr Doyle also highlighted the strong sense of community and collaboration within the School, noting that meaningful progress on EDI is only possible when there is collective engagement and leadership at all levels. 

 

Recognising Collective Effort 

The event continued with remarks from Professor Lorraine Leeson, Associate Vice Provost for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Trinity. Prof Leeson commended the School of Engineering for the integrity and transparency of its Athena Swan submission and congratulated all involved: 

“The School of Engineering has shown what it means to engage in self-reflection, to listen to its community, and to act with purpose. This award is a recognition of that effort - and a reminder that we move forward best when we move together.” 

 

Sustained Commitment from the School 

Professor Alan O’Connor, Head of the School of Engineering, reaffirmed the School’s long-standing commitment to EDI and outlined several initiatives that have emerged from its EDI Committee under the leadership of Professor Bidisha Ghosh, the School’s Director of EDI. 

These included: 

  • The development of a structured maternity leave procedure for researchers - a first in Trinity’s Faculty of STEM. 
  • The creation of a School-wide newsletter to celebrate research, teaching and personal achievements across the School’s three disciplines. 
  • The emphasis on ensuring EDI has a voice in governance and decision-making at every level. 

Prof O’Connor remarked: 

“What we’ve seen through this process is that small actions can have a big impact - when they’re backed by commitment and leadership. EDI must be woven into how we work every day. I’m grateful to Prof Ghosh and the entire Committee for keeping this front and centre, and to all in the School who’ve supported that work.” 

 

Honouring Leadership and Looking Ahead 

Prof Ghosh, who will step down from her role as EDI Director later this year, shared her reflections on the process, expressing thanks to her colleagues and to those who had come before her: 

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a School. This was a team effort, supported at every level - from the Head of School and School Manager, to the EDI Office in Trinity and of course, the staff and students who responded to our surveys and shared their experiences.” 

She paid particular tribute to Prof Sarah McCormack, her predecessor in the role, and credited her work in laying the foundation for the School’s current success. Prof Ghosh also noted the importance of the high response rate to the Athena Swan survey, which gave the Committee a strong evidence base to build on. 

“It’s been a privilege to serve in this role. While I’ll be stepping down as Director, I look forward to seeing the EDI Committee go from strength to strength in the years ahead.” 

Prof Ghosh also took the time to thank all of the members of the School’s EDI Committee, in particular Professor David Taylor and Professor Mohammad Reza Ghaani as key members of the core Athena Swan Renewal team for their incredible work. Prof Ghosh also thanked Phil Lynch, The School’s Communications and Marketing Officer for his commitment and enthusiasm in producing the School Newsletter. 

 

Industry Perspective: EDI in Action 

The event concluded with remarks from Niamh Harrison, Capability Assurance Manager at ESB Ireland and a graduate of Trinity’s School of Engineering. Harrison spoke candidly about the role of EDI in the energy and engineering sectors, and the continuing need to create workplaces that are supportive and inclusive. 

“As someone working in an industry where women are still underrepresented, it’s inspiring to see the work Trinity’s School of Engineering is doing to create positive change. This kind of leadership - both within higher education and the wider sector - is exactly what we need.” 

 

A Shared Achievement 

This celebration not only marked the renewal of the School’s Athena Swan Bronze Award, but also served as a reminder of the power of shared purpose and sustained effort. It reflected the School’s ethos - where excellence in research and education goes hand-in-hand with a strong commitment to inclusion, support and community. 

To everyone who contributed to this journey: thank you. Together, we are building a better future for engineering - and for everyone within it.