STORY
More than 60 universities and research organisations have signed a new Women in Research Charter intended to improve family leave, flexible working and protections against harassment.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the charter would require signatories to strengthen support for doctoral researchers, including at least 52 weeks of maternity leave with a full stipend for the first 26 weeks and a minimum of two weeks’ paid leave for partners.
Science Secretary Liz Kendall said the aim was to ensure women did not have to choose between a career and family life. The Government said women remain under-represented in senior research roles despite making up a majority of science undergraduates.