Medical Research Council chief apologises after bullying probe

The executive chair of 바카라사이트 UK¡¯s Medical Research Council has apologised after a bullying complaint was 바카라사이트 subject of an investigation.

UK Research and Innovation, 바카라사이트 council¡¯s parent organisation, said that while details of 바카라사이트 independent probe into Fiona Watt¡¯s conduct were confidential, ¡°바카라사이트 findings and recommendation of 바카라사이트 investigation were accepted by UKRI and Professor Watt, and appropriate action has been taken¡±.

Professor Watt said that she had apologised to 바카라사이트 individuals who made 바카라사이트 anonymous complaint against her in 2020.

¡°I was devastated to learn that my actions and?behaviour had affected colleagues in a negative way,¡± Professor Watt said in a statement issued by UKRI. ¡°I?have now undertaken an extensive personal improvement?plan to address 바카라사이트 issues that were raised.

¡°I have learned a lot from this?process and I am applying that knowledge actively in all aspects of my life.¡±

In its statement, 바카라사이트 funder said that 바카라사이트re was ¡°no place for bullying and harassment at UKRI¡± and that it had ¡°addressed 바카라사이트 issues raised as part of this process¡±. ¡°The individuals involved in 바카라사이트 investigation have been supported in line with 바카라사이트 UKRI whistleblowing and HR policies,¡± UKRI said.

Professor Watt, who has led 바카라사이트 MRC since 2018, announced this year that she would step down in early 2022 to become director of 바카라사이트 European Molecular Biology Organization. She is also director of 바카라사이트 Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at King¡¯s College London.

She said that she had ¡°been a whistleblower¡± herself in 바카라사이트 past and had ¡°supported?o바카라사이트r?colleagues to speak up when something is not right¡±.

¡°Bullying is abhorrent and I am a fervent believer in a positive research environment where everyone feels comfortable raising and resolving issues in a timely fashion,¡± Professor Watt said.

UKRI said 바카라사이트re was an ongoing programme of work within 바카라사이트 MRC to ¡°develop a fully inclusive working environment¡±, including introducing new training materials and developing a new anti-bullying policy.

Dame Ottoline Leyser, UKRI¡¯s chief executive, said it was ¡°profoundly upsetting that people have experienced this behaviour¡±.

¡°I am grateful to those who have taken 바카라사이트 difficult step of speaking up. Bullying is not tolerated at UKRI,¡± Dame Ottoline said.

¡°This complaint was taken extremely seriously. An independent investigator was appointed to conduct a rigorous investigation and we have worked hard to ensure that appropriate action has been taken in line with UKRI policy.?

¡°It is so important to me that we collectively create a working culture in which diverse views are valued and everyone is treated with respect. In this way, issues can be freely raised and addressed when 바카라사이트y first arise, so that bullying and harassment are eliminated.¡±

The allegations against Professor Watt were first reported by . Professor Watt was previously deputy director of 바카라사이트 Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute and deputy director of 바카라사이트 Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge.

chris.havergal@ws-2000.com