Harassment in science is real

Abstract

As the rallying cry against sexual harassment and bullying in many fields, including academia, continues to grow, more and more victims are coming forward with their stories, reflecting how this damaging culture has been the norm across sectors for decades. Studies of women in academia report that more than half have experienced harassment. This behavior has remained obscured for many reasons: fear, resignation, and acceptance. The scientific community must recognize the difficult conversations that have started and embrace this watershed moment as an opportunity for rapid and essential cultural change.