The University of Cambridge is facing renewed criticism after being accused of concealing a pervasive culture of staff bullying. Allegations emerged following the release of an internal survey conducted in January 2024, which revealed that only 27 per cent of staff were satisfied with how the university handles bullying and harassment complaints. Meanwhile, just over half of respondents (52 per cent) felt that their departments supported their mental health and wellbeing.
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The findings prompted astrophysicist Professor Wyn Evans to speak out, accusing the university of a “cover-up” for allegedly sitting on the results for over a year without taking meaningful action. He warned of an “internal crisis” and criticised the institution for protecting senior academics who bring in substantial research funding, suggesting that grievances are routinely dismissed to preserve reputational and financial interests.
Professor Evans, who leads the anti-bullying campaign group 21 Group, is now seeking nominations in the upcoming chancellorship election on a platform centred around reform. He argues that new leadership is needed to challenge the status quo and introduce a more transparent, accountable system for handling staff complaints. He has called for sweeping changes to address what he describes as an entrenched and harmful culture.
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In response, a university spokesperson stated that Cambridge takes bullying allegations seriously and encourages staff to report misconduct. They noted recent efforts to support departmental action, including the introduction of a new behavioural code. However, concerns remain, especially after freedom of information requests revealed troubling data from several science departments. For instance, 69 per cent of staff in the Medical Research Council’s toxicology unit reported dissatisfaction with how bullying was addressed, with similarly high figures in pathology, oncology, and physics. This follows earlier claims in 2020, when a separate survey showed that nearly a third of staff had experienced bullying, suggesting a long-standing issue yet to be adequately resolved.
