Postdoctoral positions are a critical and often necessary period between the completion of a terminal degree and full-time employment. Despite its ubiquity and importance for professional growth, complex power dynamics, financial imperatives, citizenship status, lack of institutional policies to protect them, and a variety of other factors contribute to an environment where postdoctoral scholars are uniquely vulnerable to sexual harassment.

A new issue paper from the Action Collaborative on Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education examines the existing research on factors contributing to the sexual harassment of postdoctoral scholars and describes the landscape of relevant policies, laws, and regulations. The issue paper also provides hypothetical examples to illustrate the many ways these situations can occur in the lives of postdoctoral scholars.

Issue papers are National Academies products that serve as research-based resources and describe the status of and key elements shaping an issue. Issue papers do not provide consensus findings, conclusions, or recommendations.

DETAILS: Considerations for Supporting Postdoctoral Scholars Experiencing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education is now available for immediate release. Media inquiries should be directed to the Office of News and Public Information at tel. 202-334-2138 or email news@nas.edu.