Stop targeting PhD supervisors for redundancy
The Issue
I have become aware that PhD supervisors, particularly women, in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science are being unfairly targeted for redundancy. This includes professors, associate professors and senior lecturers. This will not only affect the faculty members themselves but also threatens the academic futures of countless PhD students who rely on their expertise and mentorship.
Subject areas that are under threat:
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences and Medical Physics
- Medicine and Physician Associates
- Psychology
Personally, I find myself at risk of losing two of my supervisors, whose guidance and support have been instrumental to me. Their impending redundancy is not just a personal loss; it would disrupt the academic pursuits of numerous other students who depend on their insights and supervision.
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science is known for its commitment to excellence and diversity in academic research, yet these redundancies disproportionately target female faculty members, undermining the very principles of equality and inclusion that are purportedly upheld by the institution.
It's crucial to recognize that PhD supervisors are the backbone of our academic success. They provide invaluable mentorship, support innovative research initiatives, and contribute significantly to the development of future scientists and professionals. Without them, the quality of our education and research output is compromised.
The targeting of these supervisors for redundancy is not just a personal issue for those directly affected; it's a systemic problem that reflects broader issues within the academic community, particularly regarding gender equality and job security.
We urge the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science to reconsider their decision and work towards ensuring that all faculty members, regardless of gender, are afforded the respect and job security they deserve. Implementing a more equitable and transparent process for addressing faculty restructuring will help protect the diversity and integrity of our academic environment.
EDIT
Other PGR students from other faculties in the University have reached out and asked for this petition to be for all. Therefore, this petition is now for all PGR students to show their support for their supervisors and to stand together against the decision of compulsory redundancies. The university proposes to remove 55 roles, placing 204 staff members at risk of redundancy.
Subject areas that are also under threat:
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Classics
- English Literature and Creative Writing
- History
- Modern Languages
- Economics
Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Biosciences
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Geography
- Physics
PGR students, current and alumni, please sign and share!
Together, we can stand up for fairness, equality, and the continued success of our PGR community.
798
The Issue
I have become aware that PhD supervisors, particularly women, in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science are being unfairly targeted for redundancy. This includes professors, associate professors and senior lecturers. This will not only affect the faculty members themselves but also threatens the academic futures of countless PhD students who rely on their expertise and mentorship.
Subject areas that are under threat:
- Public Health
- Biomedical Sciences and Medical Physics
- Medicine and Physician Associates
- Psychology
Personally, I find myself at risk of losing two of my supervisors, whose guidance and support have been instrumental to me. Their impending redundancy is not just a personal loss; it would disrupt the academic pursuits of numerous other students who depend on their insights and supervision.
The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science is known for its commitment to excellence and diversity in academic research, yet these redundancies disproportionately target female faculty members, undermining the very principles of equality and inclusion that are purportedly upheld by the institution.
It's crucial to recognize that PhD supervisors are the backbone of our academic success. They provide invaluable mentorship, support innovative research initiatives, and contribute significantly to the development of future scientists and professionals. Without them, the quality of our education and research output is compromised.
The targeting of these supervisors for redundancy is not just a personal issue for those directly affected; it's a systemic problem that reflects broader issues within the academic community, particularly regarding gender equality and job security.
We urge the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science to reconsider their decision and work towards ensuring that all faculty members, regardless of gender, are afforded the respect and job security they deserve. Implementing a more equitable and transparent process for addressing faculty restructuring will help protect the diversity and integrity of our academic environment.
EDIT
Other PGR students from other faculties in the University have reached out and asked for this petition to be for all. Therefore, this petition is now for all PGR students to show their support for their supervisors and to stand together against the decision of compulsory redundancies. The university proposes to remove 55 roles, placing 204 staff members at risk of redundancy.
Subject areas that are also under threat:
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Classics
- English Literature and Creative Writing
- History
- Modern Languages
- Economics
Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Biosciences
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Geography
- Physics
PGR students, current and alumni, please sign and share!
Together, we can stand up for fairness, equality, and the continued success of our PGR community.
Supporter Voices
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Petition created on 23 January 2026