Through our Research Culture Action Plan (RCAP) we are working together as a community to re-shape the culture in which research takes place at Queen's and across the wider HE sector. Find out more below about RCAP and the latest developments in its implementation.
What Is Research Culture?
'Research culture' refers to the environment and ecosystem within which we conduct research, both in the policies and processes we implement, and how we behave as a community. At Queen’s we are working to encourage a positive research culture, where the contributions made by everyone involved in research are recognised and respected, and develop an inclusive, collaborative and supportive research community.
Research Culture Action Plan
The Research Culture Action Plan (RCAP) represents our commitment as a University community to continuously improving the environment in which research and innovation activities take place, both at Queen’s and in the wider sector. It identifies a series of tangible actions, both new and existing, which will be implemented over the coming years to promote a more supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture. RCAP is a constantly evolving document which is co-owned and co-delivered by the wider research community at Queen’s, and we seek ongoing feedback through our Research Culture Suggestion Box from all staff and students.
Download the Plan
Research Culture Action Plan (PDF)
Comment On The Plan
RCAP Suggestion Box
Research Culture at Queen's
Professor Emma Flynn, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research & Enterprise, reflects on the launch of the Research Culture Action Plan.
Latest Developments
The Research Culture Action Plan contains a mixture of new and existing actions and commitments that will be delivered during the period 2020-21 to 2022-23 in the first instance. The sections below detail existing actions underway at the point of publication; however, these will be updated regularly with the latest developments in each strategic priority area.
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Strategic Priority 1 – Inclusive and Compassionate Culture
Cultivate an inclusive and compassionate culture in which all members of the
research community, inclusive of all personal circumstances, are supported in
delivering their research ambitions to their greatest potential.As RCAP’s implementation progresses, information will be added here detailing the latest activities in each of the four priority strands
Some of the actions for Strategic Priority 1 already in progress at the time of the RCAP publication:
Revised Workload Allocation Model - the new workload model attemptes to more evenly address the demands of teaching, research and administration for our research and teaching staff.
New Flexible Working Guidance Principles - The flexible working guidance updates and simplifies the process of acheiving flexible working where needed.
Athena SWAN - in 2019 Queen's acheived the Silver Institutional Award, one of only 19 institutions to do so.
Staff Forum - in response to the 2016 Staff Survey, the Forum was instituted in order to help shape and design a more positive Employee Experience which meets both the needs of the employees and the University.
- Strategic Priority 2 – Collegiality and Collaboration
Encourage and facilitate collegiality and collaboration amongst the research
community in which individuals and groups support each other to deliver
disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research ambitionsAs RCAP’s implementation progresses, information will be added here detailing the latest activities in each of the four priority strands
Some of the actions for Strategic Priority 2 already in progress at the time of the RCAP publication:
Global Research Institutes - the GRIs bring researchers from different disciplines together on a scale that enables them to address major societal challenges.
Pioneering Research Programmes - the PRPs stimulate novel interdisciplinary research collaborations to tackle challenges emerging on the global horizon.
Coaching and Mentoring - a number of bespoke mentoring programmes are in place for specific cohorts including postdoctoral researchers, female staff, probationary academic staff and new international staff.
The Graduate School - the Graduate School provides a range of interdisciplinary opportunities for research students to develop and apply skills for working collaboratively, employ a diverse range of tools to drive innovation and opportunities to show leadership.
- Strategic Priority 3 – Career Development and Progression
Respect and facilitate the diverse range of career pathways that exist within
research, both in and out of academia, and provide tailored support to attract
and retain talent across the research community.As RCAP’s implementation progresses, information will be added here detailing the latest activities in each of the four priority strands
Some of the actions for Strategic Priority 3 already in progress at the time of the RCAP publication:
Researcher Development Programme - The programme comprises an extensive institution-wide bespoke programme of career and professional development support for research staff, complemented by additional provision from the Postdoctoral Centre, Graduate School and Faculties.
HR Excellence in Research Progress Report - January 2020
Updated Concordat for the Development of Researchers Action Plan - January 2020
- Strategic Priority 4 – A Culture of Creativity and Innovation
Incentivise a culture of creativity and innovation in which researchers have the
freedom and flexibility required to explore ambitious and novel research ideas
in the spirit of openness, transparency and integrity.As RCAP’s implementation progresses, information will be added here detailing the latest activities in each of the four priority strands
Some of the actions for Strategic Priority 4 already in progress at the time of the RCAP publication:
Academic Progression - The new Academic Progression replaced the previous ACademic Standards in 2019 and integrates key development, progression and reward processes into a flexible and agile annual cycle.
San Francisco Declaration on Research Assesment - Queen’s became a signatory to DORA in 2019, and has developed a series of institutional principles on the use of research metrics.
- Strategic Priority 5 – Reward and Recognition
Reward and recognise the entire range of contributors and contributions
that are made towards research outcomes, regardless of seniority, profile or
functionAs RCAP’s implementation progresses, information will be added here detailing the latest activities in each of the four priority strands
Some of the actions for Strategic Priority 5 already in progress at the time of the RCAP publication:
Vice Chancellor's Research Prizes 2020 - The VC's Prizes are an annual recognition of outstanding research, researchers and research support teams.
Staff Excellence Awards - The Awards highlight the contributions of individuals and teams across the univeristy.
National Postdoc Awareness Week - Queen's was one of the first UK universities to participate in NPAW, and has been a leader in developing cross-institutional participation.
Case Study in Research Culture - Postdoctoral Development Centre
Dr Alice Dubois describes the activities of the Postdoctoral Development Centre in the Faculty of Medical, Life and Health Sciences and the impact it has had on the research culture at Queen's.
Useful Links and Resources
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Internal Contacts and Resources
Internal Contacts and Resources
Some of the networks and areas playing a significant part in the support and development of the research environment and culture at Queen's
Centres and Networks
Organisational Development
- Policies and Procedures
- Surveys and Reports
Surveys and Reports
Internal
Suggestion Box Exercise Spring 2020 - Executive Summary
Research Culture Engagement Events Summer 2020 – Executive Summary
Wellcome Trust
Wellcome Trust - Research Culture Home
Wellcome Trust Report - What Researchers think about the culture they work in
Wellcome Town Halls Report - Summer 2020
Royal Academy
Royal Academy - Research Culture Home
UKRI
UKRI - Research and innovation culture
UK Government
UK Research and Development Roadmap