Start of main content

Women in Research Charter, a positive step towards gender equity in academia in STEM

We welcome the recent launch of the UK Government's Women in Research Charter. This is an important step towards addressing the systemic barriers that continue to limit women's progression and retention in research careers.

The Charter sets out clear commitments for research funders and research-performing organisations, focused on:

  • improving support for parents and carers
  • enabling flexible working
  • reducing bias in recruitment and funding processes
  • fostering inclusive workplace cultures
  • sharing good practice across the sector.

We know that achieving gender equity in STEM requires more than attracting women into the sector. To achieve lasting change, we must create environments where women can thrive, progress, lead and succeed throughout their careers.

A research-led approach to change

We strongly support the Charter's emphasis on data, accountability and transparency. Meaningful progress starts with evidence. Through our own Gender Equity Framework and workforce and higher education data analysis, we have continually highlighted the importance of measuring representation, identifying barriers and evaluating progress to improve outcomes for women in STEM.

The Charter's commitment to evidence-based action such as publishing data on recruitment, promotion and funding outcomes will help the STEM sector to build a clearer picture of where women are being excluded from opportunities and where targeted interventions are needed most.

Creating cultures where women can succeed

The Charter's recognition that there are persistent challenges that require systemic solutions, supports the work we do to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools to better support women in STEM.

Whilst support is improving there are still many barriers to overcome including balancing caring responsibilities with career progression, accessing flexible working arrangements, overcoming bias in assessment processes, and feeling safe and supported in the workplace. 

By encouraging organisations to review family leave provision, embed flexible working, improve fairness in recruitment and promotion, and tackle bullying and harassment, the Charter addresses key factors that influence whether women remain and progress in research careers. It is essential a culture is built where everyone feels included and valued, ultimately influencing whether women remain and progress in STEM careers.

This aligns closely with our mission to increase the participation, contribution and success of women in STEM. Our work with employers consistently shows that organisations make the greatest progress when they move beyond individual initiatives and take a strategic, data-led approach to gender equity.

Looking ahead

The launch of the Women in Research Charter is an encouraging development, but meaningful progress will depend on how organisations implement its commitments and measure their impact over time.

We encourage research organisations, universities and funders to engage fully with the Charter, adopt its commitments and use the insights they gain to drive action within their organisations or institutions.

When organisations combine ambition with evidence and accountability, they create the conditions for sustainable change. We look forward to seeing how the Women in Research Charter helps drive progress towards a STEM sector where women can not only enter and participate, but thrive, lead and succeed.