Online harassment of researchers and faculty members is increasingly common, and can seriously impact the psychological health and productivity of those who experience it. To address these personal and professional impacts, Canadian universities should provide robust and effective support to targeted individuals.

Based on consultations with university staff and researchers, and reviews of institutional policies globally, this policy brief by Netheena Mathews, Chris Tenove, Heidi Tworek, Connor Guyn (Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions) and Jaigris Hodson (Royal Roads University) outlines strategies to support researchers at individual institutions and nationally.

Online harassment is an increasing risk as more communication and knowledge dissemination in post-secondary institutions occurs online. Technology-facilitated harassment includes doxing, threats of physical harm, cross-platform harassment, derogatory comments, and denigration of scientific work. These attacks are intended to intimidate researchers and discredit their work, creating a hostile work environment.

If universities want researchers to engage broader publics and conduct research freely, they need to provide organizational support and response mechanisms that ensure professional resilience. After highlighting our recommendations, this brief outlines the issues associated with online harassment and showcases a proposed framework to support researchers.

Further reading:

• The Conversation Canada: Online harassment is silencing Canada’s health experts — institutions need to do more to protect them
• Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (UBC): Support Pathways for Faculty & Staff Facing Online Harassment