Increasingly common in academia, bullying is a serious issue and can take on various forms, affecting researchers and academics across disciplines and geographies. One might assume that only early career researchers or students are targets of bullying in academia. But several studies and surveys have shown that bullying transcends career stages in academia.
In 2020, CACTUS conducted a survey on researcher mental health and wellbeing, which involved over 13,000 respondents from around the globe. The survey findings unveiled academic bullying as one of the chief triggers of stress in academia. More than one in three of the survey respondents (37%) reported having experienced some form of bullying or discrimination. The survey also brought to light that researchers belonging to minority groups are disproportionately affected by academic bullying (60% of mixed-race researchers and 42% of female researchers in the survey said they had been on the receiving end of bullying).
Bullying, especially academic bullying, could manifest as aggressions, microaggressions, and a host of hostile behaviors. The power asymmetry between the bully and the target of bullying worsens the situation because targets fear the repercussions on their work life and careers, if they choose to report the bullying. It is not surprising that the top responses to the question “Do you have any suggestions for organizations within academia on what they can do to ensure a great work environment for researchers?” were themed around the need for measures to promote equality and prevent discrimination and bullying in academia.
“Hold PIs and others accountable for how they treat students and trainees. Create avenues for reporting bias, bullying or other activity even if the PI brings in the most money in the whole department.” – Postdoctoral researcher, North America; CACTUS Mental Health Survey
“Take people seriously. I experienced harassment and bullying and I was brushed off and not listened to until it got severe.” – PhD student, Europe; CACTUS Mental Health Survey
Many respondents stated a need for open communication and safe channels to report academic bullying and discriminatory behavior. In fact, nearly half of the respondents who felt that their institution did not have adequate policies against bullying reported frequently feeling overwhelmed at work.
The findings of the CACTUS Mental Health Survey resonate with several other surveys and studies on researcher wellbeing. Nature’s 2019 global PhD survey and Max Planck Society’s survey on bullying also highlighted that in academia, bullying was very common and most of those facing such aggressions hesitate to even talk about it, fearing how they might be perceived or how it might affect their career. There is no dearth of personal accounts of researchers encountering bullying and intimidation. It is abundantly clear that bullying in academia is a pernicious problem that needs to be stamped out.
CACTUS has always been deeply invested in researcher wellbeing and success. To address this growing issue in academia and initiate a movement for positive change, CACTUS has launched THINK Academia, a new initiative against bullying in academia. THINK aims to increase awareness and accountability around academic bullying, call attention to acts of bullying, catalyze change by advocating policy creation and reform, and work towards creating a more positive research culture. THINK even offers resources on negative behaviors that constitute bullying in academia (including subtle and non-verbal forms).
A supportive work environment that ensures emotional and physical safety and holistic wellbeing is essential for academics to feel empowered and thrive at work. Bullying in academia can no longer be ignored or brushed under the carpet. It is time to stand united against academic bullying and urge academic institutions globally to actively create safe channels of communication and enforce strict policies to prevent and effectively deal with discriminatory behaviors.
A growing number of individuals and institutions around the world are signing the THINK Academia Pledge. And you can be part of this positive change too! Join the movement and show your support. Sign the pledge today!
