University takes leading role to support women in research
Heriot-Watt has become one of the first university’s in the UK to sign the new Women in Research Charter aimed at improving the outcomes for women across the research sector.
The Charter is a UK-wide initiative launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) earlier this month and focuses on six areas where coordinated action can help drive meaningful change including improving support for parents and carers, enabling flexible working and creating inclusive workplace cultures.
It brings together universities, research funders and research-performing organisations in a shared commitment to address the barriers that women face in research careers and to create a more inclusive, supportive and equitable research environment.
This Charter strengthens our resolve to remove barriers, champion equality and ensure that talented researchers at every stage of their careers feel empowered to excel.
The Charter recognises that while women have made significant contributions to research and innovation, they remain underrepresented in senior academic positions and continue to face structural barriers that can affect career progression and retention. It seeks to strengthen and complement existing initiatives across the sector, including Athena Swan and the Researcher Development Concordat, by establishing a common set of expectations and commitments.
Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice‑Chancellor commented on this milestone: “By becoming a founding signatory of the Women in Research Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a research culture where every woman can thrive, lead and shape the future of discovery.
"I am very proud of the progress our community has already made, from Athena Swan achievements across our Schools to the everyday actions that build a more inclusive and supportive environment.
“This Charter strengthens our resolve to remove barriers, champion equality and ensure that talented researchers at every stage of their careers feel empowered to excel."
Announcing the launch of the Charter is The Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, who said: “The charter is designed to create clear, tangible actions that both funders and research performing organisations can commit to; actions that will drive lasting culture change, improve standards, and bring greater consistency and transparency across the sector.”
Heriot-Watt's commitment to the Charter builds on a strong foundation of work to advance equality, diversity and inclusion across the University. In recent years, three of its Schools have received Athena Swan recognition for their commitment to tackling gender inequality and creating more inclusive cultures.
Alongside this work, the University continues to support flexible and family-friendly working practices, mentoring and career development opportunities, employee networks that provide peer support and help build and sustain inclusive culture, and initiatives designed to foster an inclusive research culture.
As a signatory, Heriot-Watt joins organisations across the UK in committing to take action and report transparently on progress. Signatories are expected to publish annual updates on the steps they are taking to improve outcomes for women in research and to share learning and effective practice across the sector.