Fiona Watt, a stem cell biologist and current leader of the UK Medical Research Council, has made an apology in response to allegations about bullying during her time as executive chair. The anonymous whistleblower complaint describing allegations about Watt’s behavior last year prompted an investigation by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the government body that includes the Medical Research Council (MRC) and other funding councils.
“I engaged fully with the investigation, accepted the findings and offered written apologies to the individuals involved [while] of course respecting their anonymity,” Watt says in a statement issued by the UKRI on Wednesday (December 15). The statement does not provide information about the findings of the investigation.
“I would like to apologise to them again publicly,” Watt continues. “I was devastated to learn that my actions and behaviour had affected colleagues in a negative way. I have now undertaken an extensive personal improvement plan ...
