‘Cut funds if unis have issues with bullying’

Universities with widespread bullying and harassment problems should not benefit from public funding, a minister has said.

Science minister Amanda Solloway said it was the UK government’s duty “not to condone the behaviour of bullies” in research institutions “no matter how talented they may be as individuals”.

In a recorded message to a virtual conference, held by the professional development body for researchers, Ms Solloway said it was “high time” to stamp out harassment and bullying in research.

She said it was an“enormous shock ... to learn that nearly two-thirds of researchers have witnessed bullying or harassment at work, and almost half have experienced it themselves”.

In a speech to Vitae Connections Week, Ms Solloway said: “Institutions with widespread bullying and harassment problems should not benefit from the taxpayers’ support.

“We need a culture of fair treatment, and of respect for each other. It is high time to stamp out the problem of bullying and harassment in research.”

The minister also highlighted other issues in the culture of research, which she said were “interfering” with the wellbeing of early career researchers.