The needle is shifting on bullying, but funders must do more, says Petra Boynton
We all know someone working in research who has suffered some combination of sexist, racist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic or ageist abuse. Perhaps you’re one of them. Bullying, mobbing, harassment, abuse, assault and badmouthing are unfortunately part of academic life.
Students and staff who should be flourishing are sidelined, pushed out, or placed in stressful situations. Minorities are hit particularly hard. Worst-case scenarios include self-harm, substance abuse and suicide. Precarity and overwork take a further toll, compounding bullying and harassment.