Academics end career-break discrimination

Discrimination against female academic researchers is to be tackled through new measures being introduced to the assessment and funding system.

Public funds for research at universities and other institutions are allocated according to quality criteria measured in a "Research Assessment Exercise" (RAE). Universities submit work by their best researchers; this is then assessed, with the best institutions getting the largest grants for future research.

The next RAE will take place in 2008, and for the first time universities will have to draw up an equality code of practice, to ensure that female staff who have taken career breaks are not disadvantaged when research work is selected for submission to the RAE. Similarly, the RAE assessors will not take a lack of published work into account when assessing the research of such academics.

Traditionally, academics who have published a large volume of research are regarded more highly, but the aim in future will be to assess quality rather than simply quantity.

New guidance will also seek to prevent discrimination against disabled academics and those from ethnic minorities during the 2008 RAE.

Paul Mackney, general secretary of lecturers' union NATFHE, said: "We welcome the guidance on equality-proofing the work of RAE panels. We continue to be disappointed that many of those involved in determining funding - and deciding upon matters which affect career opportunities - are often simply not aware of the unintended consequences of their actions. This initiative is a step forward in improving understanding and reducing discrimination."