An online toolkit to help experts protect themselves from online abuse is now freely available to researchers affiliated with New Zealand-based universities, thanks to support from Universities New Zealand
A project to develop additional resources for New Zealand organisations as they navigate how best to support researchers is also underway.
The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) developed the resource to help experts both prepare for, and respond to, trolling and online harassment, after a survey of more than 100 scientists found that one in three reported experiencing abuse on social media.
“The AusSMC harassment resources provide timely and valuable support for university staff addressing an increasingly important workplace issue,” said Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Universities NZ.
“Online abuse and attacks can impact scientists’ willingness to speak to the media in the future, and if experts stop speaking to the media, all of us will be worse off, ” said Lyndal Byford, the AusSMC’s Director of News and Partnerships.
Online abuse of experts can shut down important conversations, remove key voices from the debate, and ultimately may pose a threat to the health of our democracy.
The modules are available by going to the AusSMC’s Science Media SAVVY website, clicking on the ‘Handling online harassment’ tab, then logging in with your university email address.
Moving forward to support researchers facing harassment in Aotearoa:
Universities NZ and the NZ Science Media Centre are currently developing additional New Zealand-specific resources, including best practice guidance for organisations supporting researchers facing online abuse.
“Even for those who have not experienced it directly, online harassment can have a chilling effect, pushing researchers to withdraw from public life,” said Dacia Herbulock, Director of the NZ Science Media Centre.
“It’s more important than ever that we work collectively to support researchers engaging on essential issues in the media and society.”
The NZ SMC is speaking with researchers who have experienced online harassment, and convening a reference group of senior HR, IT and security professionals from across the university sector to help develop this resource, which will launch in early 2025.
If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact smc@sciencemediacentre.co.nz