Technicians
Module on the Researcher Development Concordat
This open-access
development module explores the Principles of the Concordat and the
resulting responsibilities for staff. The module serves to foster conversations
that nurture a positive and inclusive culture in which researchers take
responsibility for the development of their personal and professional practice.
As role-related training, the module will be available to new and existing
staff as needed, allowing them to refresh their understanding of the Researcher
Development Concordat.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Postgraduate researchers Research and teaching staff Teaching-only staff Technicians Clinicians Managers of researchers Professional support staff
Stakeholders: Researchers Managers of researchers Professional staff Senior/executive team
Concordat principles: Environment and culture Employment Professional and career development
Keywords: Training Professional development Research identity Research culture Induction Career progression Policy Equality, diversity and inclusion Research integrity Wellbeing Researcher voice Bullying and harassment Flexible working Job security Working conditions Performance management Career management Diverse careers Leadership development Research assessment Recognition Open Transparent and Merit-based (OTM) recruitment and progression
Researcher Development Roadmap for Researchers
The Academy’s Researcher Development Roadmap (RD Roadmap) provides diverse opportunities for
research and research-related staff to create bespoke development pathways in
support of their professional practice. The searchable RD Roadmap has been
designed for individuals to navigate the wealth of online content available in
a range of accessible formats to support career development and progression.
The RD Roadmap is updated on a regular basis and is designed around 4 key
topics: Career Confidence and Progression; Engagement and Influence; Research
Impact; and Personal Effectiveness.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Postgraduate researchers Research and teaching staff Teaching-only staff Technicians Clinicians Managers of researchers Professional support staff
Stakeholders: Researchers Managers of researchers Professional staff
Concordat principles: Environment and culture Employment Professional and career development
Keywords: Training Professional development Research identity Research culture Career progression Policy Equality, diversity and inclusion Research integrity Wellbeing Researcher voice Performance management Career management Diverse careers Leadership development Research assessment Recognition
Research Culture Awards
We are not always good at saying thank you, especially for things that are difficult to measure. The Research Culture Awards aim to recognise and celebrate those who demonstrate good role modelling and make the environment better for others; staff can thank those around them who are good leaders, mentors or organise valued activities. The longer-term aim is to include these aspects in promotion criteria and to value them more formally, but this informal method has helped develop a community of people who actively think about good research culture and how to replicate it elsewhere.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Research and teaching staff Technicians Managers of researchers Professional support staff
Stakeholders: Managers of researchers Professional staff Senior/executive team
Concordat principles: Environment and culture
Keywords: Research culture Researcher voice Working conditions Leadership development Recognition
Succeeding in Industry Programme
Many postdocs move into scientific leadership roles beyond academia. ICR wanted its training offer to reflect that, giving agency to those not aiming for an independent academic career. ICR tagged training and career development opportunities as ‘succeeding in industry’ and/or ‘succeeding in academia’, and offered specific support and events on applications and recruitment in industry. ICR wanted to acknowledge that researchers might also be undecided, or plan to move between academia and industry, and the institute connected with alumni and Faculty who have done this successfully to deliver these sessions.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Postgraduate researchers Technicians Managers of researchers
Stakeholders: Researchers Managers of researchers Professional staff
Concordat principles: Professional and career development
Keywords: Research culture Training Professional development Career management Diverse careers Postdocs Industry Alumni
Development Activity Guidance
The revised Concordat to support the career development for researchers includes reference to researchers having opportunities, structured support, encouragement and time to engage in a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.
Professional development can take a variety of forms and varies with career stage. The University of Liverpool have developed a web resource Development Activity Guidance which includes examples of opportunities that enable researchers to develop skills and experience to support their career and professional development.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Postgraduate researchers Research and teaching staff Teaching-only staff Technicians
Stakeholders: Researchers Professional staff
Concordat principles: Professional and career development
Keywords: Signposting Professional development Guidance and support Policy Equality, diversity and inclusion Research culture Research integrity Wellbeing Researcher voice Bullying and harassment Training Flexible working Induction Job security Working conditions Career progression Performance management Career management Diverse careers Leadership development Research identity Research assessment Recognition
Reflective practice: getting maximum value from the HR Excellence in Research Award process
This case study describes our reflective practice approach. Through the creation of the Developing Excellent Researchers Subcommittee, we widened engagement making it more inclusive and balanced academic and Human Resources need. This established network means that research staff can contribute to the institutional strategic research agenda. This was important in developing our HR Excellence in Research Award submission as it ensured that we engaged with individuals from our research staff cohort through to those in senior research management roles. Changing the focus of support for HR Excellence in Research and widening engagement has facilitated a more reflective approach. This will continue to evolve as the agenda turns to research culture.
Beneficiaries: Research staff Technicians Managers of researchers Professional support staff
Stakeholders: Managers of researchers Professional staff
Concordat principles: Environment and culture Employment Professional and career development
Keywords: Policy Research culture Researcher voice Leadership development