UK Research and Innovation, the Wellcome Trust and three UK government departments have committed to tougher action against harm and abuse in research for international development, following a slew of allegations in the aid sector.
A group of funders of international development research has signed up to a joint statement of commitment setting out a “zero-tolerance approach” to bullying, sexual and other harassment of any individual employed through, or associated with, their research programmes, including researchers, volunteers and participants in their studies.
“We expect research institutions (universities and other research entities) to promote a culture in which harm and abuse is less likely to happen, and to act swiftly to respond to cases that do emerge, in line with international standards,” the statement says. “It is not acceptable for any allegation to be ignored and we expect institutions to respond quickly and effectively when allegations are made.”
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