Launched on 1 July by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Women in Research Charter sets out detailed commitments aimed at removing the barriers that prevent women from accessing, progressing and remaining in research careers.

More than 60 universities and research organisations, including Canterbury Christ Church University, have signed up as early signatories of the charter. It focuses on improved family leave, flexible working, fairer approaches to career progression and stronger action to tackle bullying and harassment, with the aim of ensuring that UK research attracts, retains and supports the best talent possible.

The University’s commitment to the charter builds on the work already being undertaken by its Women’s Research Network, supporting women researchers to build and sustain their research careers with the many individual and institutional benefits this brings. The charter also sits alongside initiatives such as Athena Swan and the new Inclusive Institutions Framework, which the University joined in January 2026, to support all women researchers.     

Professor Susan Millns, Dean of the Graduate College at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “The Women in Research Charter represents a significant opportunity for the University to continue its commitments and actions to support inclusive practice within research, enterprise and knowledge mobilisation. It also signals an important commitment to the pipeline of talent that lies with our sponsored doctoral scholarship students who will benefit from improved provisions, especially around family leave.”

Currently, girls make up 48 per cent of STEM GCSE students, and women account for 53 per cent of science undergraduates. However, those numbers fall sharply as careers progress, with women holding just 31 per cent of professorships, and men being nearly three times more likely to have careers in research and development. 

The charter’s commitments cover six areas of activity designed to deliver meaningful change for women in research careers. These include improved support for parents and carers, consistent data and transparency, enabling more flexible working, eliminating bias from grant and job application processes, steps to tackle bullying, harassment and misconduct in research environments, and sharing best practice across the research sector.

The charter also aims to improve family leave provision for doctoral researchers and includes commitments to enable research funding schemes to be delivered more flexibly, including through part-time working, adjusted timelines, and accessible application and assessment processes. This is to ensure that women researchers are not disadvantaged because of caring responsibilities, career breaks or flexible working patterns.

Professor Mike Weed, Senior Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Enterprise, and Business Development), said: “We are proud to be among the first signatories to the Women in Research Charter, demonstrating our commitment to our values as an inclusive university.

“To deliver research that transforms lives and drives change, we must attract and retain the very best people. By signing this charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to building a research community that is inclusive, supportive, and flexible; one where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of gender or their chosen career pathway.”

Jon Opaye-Tetteh, Director of Equity and Inclusion, said: "Our ambition is to create a more equitable and inclusive future through the work we do and the people we empower. These commitments reflect the priorities set out in our Vision 2030, as we continue to build a university where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to thrive. By investing in talent, we're creating a culture where people and ideas can make a lasting difference.”

CCCU among first signatories to new Women in Research Charter