Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute has apologised after a “misunderstanding” meant a person was told their application was rejected because they are Russian.
The organisation was challenged on social media after communications suggested the person was not able to join the organisation, but it has now clarified the offer still stands.
The email had read: “The Beatson has established a new policy upon which I am unable to appoint you because you are Russian.”
Owen Sansom, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute director, said the organisation “does not have a policy of declining any applications from Russian students on the basis of their nationality”.
“Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and offers are always reviewed against external checks, such as visa requirements or UK government sanctions.
“In this case there was an initial misunderstanding of these restrictions, which has been addressed.”
Sansom said the organisation has contacted the applicant involved to offer them a place and “have apologised for any distress caused”.
He added it is reviewing processes internally to prevent this issue from occurring again in future.
The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research is a registered Scottish charity, and one of Cancer Research UK’s core-funded institutes.
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