Committee publication · Correspondence · 8 July 2026
Correspondence from the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, re Launch of the women in research charter, dated 30 June 2026
Summary
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announces the launch of a voluntary Women in Research Charter on 1 July 2026. The Charter commits research funders and performing organisations to six outcomes addressing systemic barriers women face in research careers, including improved parental support, workplace flexibility, bias elimination, and inclusive culture. Over 50 organisations have pledged as founding signatories.
Key findings
- Women remain underrepresented in the research workforce due to systemic factors including inadequate childcare support and family caring responsibilities that prevent career progression
- The Charter establishes six core commitments: improved support for parents and carers; consistent data and transparency; flexible working; elimination of bias in grant and job processes; inclusive workplace culture with zero tolerance for harassment; and sharing best practice
- More than 50 organisations have committed as founding signatories, including research funders, universities, and government bodies working collaboratively
- The Charter builds on existing initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Daphne Jackson Trust, explicitly avoiding duplication of current sector activity
- DSIT commits to keeping Parliament updated on implementation progress and seeks Committee support for the initiative
Tone
SupportiveTopics
gender-equalityresearch-fundinghigher-educationworkplace-culturefamily-support
Key actors
Liz Kendall, Sarah Owen MP, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, UK Research and Innovation, Athena Swan, Daphne Jackson Trust
Notable line
“Women remain underrepresented in the research workforce with systemic factors like lack of support around childcare and other family caring responsibilities preventing academic …”
Key Quotes
“To succeed, we must ensure that our research system attracts, retains and supports the very best talent. This must include providing greater support to women who continue to face avoidable barriers to success.”
“The Charter is a voluntary commitment to improve outcomes for women across the UK research system. It sets out clear commitments for research funders and research performing organisations, including universities who do both.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗