TU Dublin Launches Athena Swan Action Plan 2026–2030
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has launched its Athena Swan Action Plan 2026–2030, setting out an ambitious and comprehensive framework to advance gender equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of university life over the next five years. The plan builds on the University’s Athena Swan Bronze Award renewal and reflects a sustained commitment to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into structures, policies and everyday practices.
At the centre of the Action Plan is a commitment to meaningful, measurable and sustained change. Guided by the University’s core values of Excellence, Inclusion, Impact and Respect, it sets out a whole-institution approach to addressing structural and cultural barriers that impact gender equality and wider inclusion. It also reflects a recognition that progress requires collective responsibility, strong governance and evidence-based action supported by robust data and accountability mechanisms.
Speaking at the launch of the Action Plan, the President of TU Dublin, Dr Deirdre Lillis, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility and long-term commitment.
“This work is not the responsibility of a single team or office. It is the collective effort of a university community committed to creating an environment where every person can thrive, contribute and achieve their full potential. By working together to implement the actions set out in this plan, we will continue to build a more equal, inclusive and respectful university for all.”
The plan is anchored in TU Dublin’s commitment to the Athena Swan Charter Principles, which underpin its approach to transformation in areas such as gender equality, organisational culture and inclusive practice. These principles commit the University to robust and accountable equality processes, sustainable cultural and structural change, tackling negative behaviours, addressing underrepresentation and progression gaps, and embedding inclusion for all staff and students, including trans and non-binary communities. A strong emphasis is also placed on intersectionality, recognising that experiences of inequality are shaped by multiple, overlapping identities.
A key priority in the Action Plan is leadership and governance, with TU Dublin continuing to maintain gender-balanced leadership while broadening its approach to monitoring diversity across decision-making bodies to ensure governance reflects the full diversity of the University community.
Work-life balance and family support are also prioritised, with commitments to enhance maternity, family and care leave, improve the experience of staff returning from leave, and further embed flexible working to support wellbeing and retention. Organisational culture will be strengthened through a renewed focus on dignity, respect, and inclusion, and a greater awareness of available supports to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.
Data and accountability underpin the entire plan, with improved collection and analysis of diversity data to inform decision-making, track progress, and support more targeted, evidence-based interventions, including a stronger focus on intersectional insights. Alongside gender equality, the Action Plan broadens its scope to advance wider equality initiatives, including dedicated actions on race equity and disability inclusion. This reflects an integrated approach to EDI, recognising that meaningful progress requires attention to all forms of inequality and exclusion.
Lianne Rooney, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead (Gender Equity) and Chair of the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team, said the plan represents a practical framework for turning commitment into action.
“The Athena Swan Action Plan 2026–2030 is informed by a strong evidence base drawn from staff consultation, analysis of staff and student gender data, consideration of national policy frameworks and a full review of the progress of the previous action plan. It is a practical framework for turning our commitment to gender equality and inclusion into measurable, lasting change. Our focus now is on implementation, ensuring that these actions are embedded in everyday practice so that equity, respect and opportunity are experienced by everyone across TU Dublin.”
The Athena Swan Action Plan 2026–2030 positions TU Dublin to build on progress to date while accelerating change across the institution. It sets a clear direction for embedding equality and inclusion into leadership, culture, policy and practice, with a strong emphasis on accountability and impact. Through its implementation, TU Dublin aims to strengthen its position as a leading institution in equality, diversity and inclusion and move closer to its ambition of becoming one of the most accessible and diverse universities in Ireland.
