Established in 1798 and gained university status in 1966, Brunel University is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the European University Association and Universities UK. Their world-leading research focuses on areas that integrate academic rigour with the needs of governments, industry and the not-for-profit sector, delivering creative solutions to global challenges and bringing economic, social and cultural benefit. The University was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award in 2012 which promotes gender equality in higher education and research.