The Franklin joins the Women in Research Charter
The Rosalind Franklin Institute has become a member of the Women in Research Charter, marking an important step in our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive research environment for everyone.
Over 60 institutes from across the UK research sector have now signed up to the Charter, bringing together organisations that are committed to improving the recruitment, retention and progression of women in research.
By joining the Charter, the Franklin is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that talented people can thrive and develop their careers, regardless of gender. The Charter provides a framework for organisations to assess their culture, identify barriers to progression and take meaningful action to create fair and inclusive workplaces.
The Charter is built around six key themes:
- Improved support for parents and carers
- Consistent data and transparency
- Enabling more flexible working
- Eliminating bias from grant and job application processes
- Ensuring an inclusive workplace culture with zero tolerance for bullying and harassment
- Sharing and implementing best practice across the research sector
At the Franklin, creating a safe, supportive and inclusive workplace is a guiding principle. We recognise that diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds strengthen research, drive innovation and help us tackle complex scientific challenges.
“Joining the Women in Research Charter gives us a valuable framework for examining where barriers remain and turning our commitment to inclusion into meaningful action. As an EDI Committee, we look forward to working with colleagues across the Franklin to build on existing good practice, learn from others across the research sector and ensure that women from all backgrounds are supported to develop and thrive in their careers.”
Over recent years, the Franklin has continued to develop policies and practices that support inclusion and opportunity. These include enhanced family leave provisions, flexible approaches to working, diverse recruitment practices, leadership development programmes and career coaching opportunities. We also work closely with external networks and partners to identify areas for improvement and embed best practice across the organisation.
Joining the Women in Research Charter provides a valuable opportunity to build on this work. It gives us access to a network of organisations committed to sharing best practice and driving positive change across the research sector. It also supports our ambition to create an environment where everyone feels recognised, valued and able to contribute fully.
As the Franklin continues to deliver its science strategy and develop technologies that transform life science research, membership of the Charter will help ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion remain central to how we work, collaborate and innovate.