Universities take steps to address online abuse of academics

New Zealand’s universities are reviewing how they support researchers in the face of rising concerns about online work-related abuse, writes Jenny Sinclair for Research Professional News.

In conjunction with New Zealand’s Science Media Centre, universities will join a reference group to come up with better ways to deal with the issue. The reference group of “senior HR, IT and security professionals from across the university sector” is due to have its first meeting in early November. Research organisations outside the university sector are also being approached to take part.

Dacia Herbulock, director of the NZ Science Media Centre, told Research Professional News that “a consistent approach” is needed. “Since the pandemic focused greater attention on this issue, we have been hearing very mixed reports from researchers facing online harassment. Some have felt well supported by their institutions, while others have felt isolated and overwhelmed, particularly if their attempts to seek help were unsuccessful.”
Full report on the Research Professional News site