Today is International Stand Up To Bullying Day, a day when we reflect on our own experiences of being bullied and take steps to help eradicate bullying for good.
As Science Minister, I have also taken a 'No Tolerance' policy to bullying, and was shocked to hear just how many members of our amazing science community have reported feeling bullied during their working experience. This is simply not acceptable, and I will work to change this.
You can read more about the steps I am taking to change the culture in my article with the Telegraph, which you can find here - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/…/universities-bullying-issues…/
As well as helping ensure we #standuptobullying and #EndBullyingNow, I am also committed to ensuring we work with and support those who are under-represented in our Science Communities, to help ensure that no one thinks a career in STEM fields 'isn't for people like me.'
It was a privilege to meet last week with students from University of Derby to discuss supporting Women and Girls in Science and I cannot wait to hear their suggestions on the steps we can take to address the gender imbalance in these fields.