Abertay University signs charter to strengthen support for women in research

UK-wide initiative focuses on family leave, flexible working and inclusive research environments

The initiative introduces a range of measures designed to make research careers more accessible and sustainable for women at all stages. These include improved family leave provision for doctoral researchers, with signatories expected to meet at least the level of support offered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This includes up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, financial support during leave, and paid leave for partners.

Flexible working is also a central focus, alongside commitments to ensure that research funding and delivery models can be adapted to part-time working and non-linear career paths. Together, these changes aim to reduce the need for researchers to choose between career progression and family responsibilities, and to create more inclusive pathways into and through research careers.

Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, said:

We are pleased to see the introduction of the Women in Research Charter and to be part of a collective effort to strengthen support for women across the research community. Creating an environment where researchers can thrive at every stage of their careers is essential, and this includes ensuring that family life, flexible working and inclusive practices are fully supported. At Abertay, we are committed to removing barriers and fostering a culture where talent, potential and contribution are recognised in all their diversity. Initiatives such as this play an important role in driving positive change across the sector and ensuring that research careers are accessible, sustainable and inclusive for everyone.

The charter also highlights wider structural and cultural barriers that continue to affect women in research, including bullying, harassment and unequal career progression. Participating organisations are expected to introduce clear and transparent processes for reporting and addressing unacceptable behaviour, as well as protections for those raising concerns. It also calls for more inclusive approaches to assessing research performance, recognising career breaks and caring responsibilities more fairly.

As part of the initiative, organisations will publish annual data on recruitment, promotion and research funding outcomes, broken down by sex. This is intended to support transparency, identify gaps and track progress over time, and reflects a wider recognition across the sector that improving diversity in research strengthens both innovation and impact.

Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said:

From Mary Somerville to Dorothy Hodgkin and Rosalind Franklin, British women have made extraordinary contributions to global research. For far too long, however, many have faced a choice between their careers and family life. Better family leave, fair assessments and safer workplaces are fundamental to ensuring women in research have a fair opportunity to succeed. This charter sends a clear signal that no woman should be held back from fulfilling her potential.

More than 50 organisations have already signed up to the charter, with further institutions encouraged to take part as part of a wider effort to create a more inclusive and supportive research landscape across the UK.

Read the Women in Research Charter on the UK Government website