The University of Portsmouth has become one of the first organisations in the UK to sign the Government's new Women in Research Charter , reinforcing its commitment to creating an inclusive culture where talented women can thrive throughout their careers.
The Charter, launched this week (1 July), sets out practical commitments to improve support for women in research, who already make up around 40 per cent of the UK's research workforce .
Commitments include enhanced paid family leave, flexible working, fairer approaches to career progression and stronger action to tackle bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct, all which Portsmouth already offers.
More than 60 universities and research organisations are among the first to sign up, and the Science Secretary is urging more UK research organisations to commit and make clear that women should not have to choose between career and family.
Currently, girls make up 48 per cent of STEM GCSE students and women account for 53 per cent of science undergraduates . Those numbers however fall sharply as careers progress, with women holding just under a third (31 per cent) of professorships and men being nearly three times more likely to have careers in research and development.
Barriers like no paid maternity leave for female PhD researchers hold them back from pursuing or developing their careers in research - ultimately depriving us all of breakthroughs that could save lives.
Every signatory must at least match the support UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) already provides to the PhD students they fund. Including support for pregnancy-related sickness, adoption, neonatal care and the loss of a baby, this will mean at least 52 weeks of maternity leave, with a full stipend for the first 26 weeks, and a minimum of 2 weeks' paid leave for partners.
For the University of Portsmouth, becoming an early signatory builds on a long-standing commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring researchers are supported at every stage of their careers and can balance research excellence with family and caring responsibilities.
Fiona Hnatow , Chief People Officer at the University of Portsmouth, said: "I am so incredibly proud to support the Women in Research Charter and to stand alongside institutions across the UK in strengthening our support for women in research.
"At the University of Portsmouth, we are committed to creating an environment where talented researchers do not have to choose between their careers and their families. By enhancing paid family leave, embedding flexible working, and taking robust action against workplace harassment, we are ensuring that our research community is supported to be able to thrive at every stage of their career journey.
"The Women in Research Charter is an important step towards addressing the barriers that too many women still face in research careers and unlocking the full potential of all our people."
The Charter recognises that while women make up a significant proportion of those entering science and research, they remain underrepresented in senior research careers. It aims to remove structural barriers by encouraging research organisations to embed policies and practices that support researchers throughout different life stages, including parenthood and caring responsibilities, while creating safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces.
The news comes on the same day as the Exploring Equity and Inclusion at the University of Portsmouth event , which aimed to raise the bar and highlight inclusion in research career paths, through lived experience and research work.
Signing this charter is an important step in our ongoing commitment to creating a research environment where women can thrive at every stage of their careers. Inclusive research cultures benefit everyone, strengthening creativity, collaboration and research excellence."
Dr Karen Middleton, Associate Professor of Responsible Advertising and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Research Culture Pillar Lead at University of Portsmouth
Organiser Dr Karen Middleton, Associate Professor of Responsible Advertising and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Research Culture Pillar Lead at University of Portsmouth, said: "Signing this charter is an important step in our ongoing commitment to creating a research environment where women can thrive at every stage of their careers. Inclusive research cultures benefit everyone, strengthening creativity, collaboration and research excellence. It is fitting that this announcement coincides with our inaugural Inclusive Research Futures event, where we are celebrating researchers from across the University whose work is helping to create a more equitable and inclusive future."
The University already has a strong track record of championing gender equality. In 2024, it achieved a University-level Athena SWAN Silver Award , recognising its sustained commitment to advancing gender equality across higher education. A further 15 Schools and Faculties also hold Athena SWAN Silver or Bronze awards, reflecting the work taking place across the institution to improve career progression, representation and inclusion.
Portsmouth's Gender Equality Plan underpins this work, setting out a programme of action to improve recruitment, career development, leadership opportunities, organisational culture and representation across the institution.
Professor Vikas Kumar , Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said: "Excellent research depends on attracting, supporting and retaining the very best people. By signing the Women in Research Charter, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a research environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of gender or career pathway.
"Research careers are not always linear, and they should not have to be. Supporting flexibility, recognising different career journeys, and creating an inclusive culture benefit not only our researchers but also the quality and impact of the research we deliver."
As an early signatory to the Women in Research Charter, the University of Portsmouth is joining a national movement to remove barriers facing women in research and helping create a more inclusive, diverse and innovative research sector for the future.
Dr Lorraine Hope , Professor of Applied Cognitive Psychology at the University of Portsmouth, said: "The strongest teams and most innovative research emerge when people feel trusted, valued and able to contribute fully. As someone who mentors researchers at different career stages, I know how important it is that talented women can envisage a future for themselves in academia and have genuine opportunities to realise their full potential."
