UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Achieves Gold Athena Swan Award

The UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOSICH) has once again been awarded a Gold Athena Swan Award, recognising its sustained and sector-leading commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education and research. The latest award was conferred in January 2026 and is valid until January 2031. 

About Athena Swan

The Athena Swan Charter is an internationally used framework established in 2005 to support and transform gender equality across higher education and research. Originally created to recognise the advancement of women in STEMM disciplines, it now supports a broader approach to gender equality and institutional culture change.

The Institute’s Athena Swan History   

The Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health has a long record of embedding gender equality into its culture. The Institute first achieved Silver in 2013, which was renewed in 2016. In 2020, GOSICH became the third institute in UCL to receive Gold, which has been renewed now in 2026. 

Looking ahead 

The Institute’s Gold Action Plan will build on the progress already made in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.

Key steps are outlined below: 

G – Growth  

Promote equitable career progression and development  

O – Opportunity  

Identify and address gender and ethnicity pay and awarding gaps  

S – Support  

Support staff with caring responsibilities  

I – Inclusion  

Enhance engagement within the Institute to foster a sense of belonging and community for all  

C – Capability  

Implement management training and toolkits  

H – Health  

Support staff health and wellbeing by addressing workload challenges and promoting positive working practices