Funders get tough on harassment

A fresh clampdown on bullying in science is underway, with UK Research and Innovation preparing to follow leading charities by introducing new policies against harassment by grant holders.

Umbrella funding body UKRI is discussing the best way to tackle the problem with prominent research charities, Research Fortnight has learned.

“Our immediate work includes developing a detailed policy response on bullying and harassment and we are in the process of commissioning an evidence review to ensure that we draw on existing knowledge and identify gaps in our understanding of the challenges that need to be addressed,” Jennifer Rubin, executive chairwoman of the Economic and Social Research Council, said.