Meet Our Researchers

Published by University of Dundee on 15 May 2025

_{A series of videos highlighting research work and individual researchers at the University of Dundee which provides the opportunity for researchers to seek out, and engage with opportunities to develop their research identity, helping to improve the quality of the research environment and research culture overall. It also provides the opportunity for public engagement with research and researchers.}

What kind of an organisation are you in the context of the Concordat?

Established in 1881, the University of Dundee is a leading public research-intensive institution known for excellence in research and teaching with around 1,000 research active staff. The University actively adheres to the Principles of the Researcher Development Concordat, proudly signing the revised Concordat in January 2021.

What challenge were you trying to address with this initiative?

We wanted to improve the central support available to individual researchers to market their research identity, to promote their research impact, attract prospective doctoral candidates to their areas of research and become ambassadors for others. This multifaceted project allowed the University to do this in an efficient, time and cost-effective manner

What did you do and how does this align with the Principles and keywords you have selected below?

This aligns with Researchers responsibility under the RDC theme of Professional and Career Development point 5, to seek out, and engage with, opportunities to develop their research identity and for institutions to make positive steps to improve the quality of the research environment and culture. In addition, researchers can consider it as an opportunity for public engagement with their research (point 6 of the RDC under Professional and Career Development).

What were the challenges in implementation and how did you resolve them?

The implementation of the Meet Our Researchers video series presented several challenges. One of the primary difficulties was securing a quiet, consistent location on campus where the equipment could remain set up throughout the week, as setup and takedown each required around two hours. To optimise the videographer’s time, a suitable space was found to leave the setup in place.

Scheduling was another challenge, with the need to accommodate researchers' busy timetables. Filming during quieter periods, such as the summer break, helped mitigate this issue, though it introduced the challenge of filming whilst campus was quieter. To address this, colleagues were enlisted as background extras. A shared scheduling spreadsheet was also introduced, enabling researchers to book two-hour filming slots themselves, which streamlined the process and reduced administrative overhead.

Additionally, condensing complex research into two-minute scripts was a challenge for many researchers, who often wished to include accolades or other research. To resolve this, scripts were revised to ensure clarity for non-native speakers, while focusing on the one research topic itself to meet the goal of showcasing the work to prospective researchers. An additional impact statement was included as well as an engaging, enthusiastic postgraduate research marketing statement. This would allow us to mix and match the videos to meet different needs going forward.

How did you evaluate the impact of your initiative?

The Meet Our Researchers video series has exceeded its initial ambition of producing 10 videos, with 25 now successfully developed and a growing waiting list of researchers eager to participate. Due to the overwhelmingly positive reception from both the researchers and the wider research community at the University, there are tentative plans to produce an additional 10 videos.

We evaluated the value of this initiative by asking for feedback from participants. There were 25 participants in the survey of which 11 responded, which is 44% engagement with the survey. Of those 11 respondents, 100% agreed that the video accurately represented their research.

The feedback from contributors also highlights a shared hope that the videos will raise awareness of ongoing research, showcasing the breadth of opportunities at Dundee, and ultimately inspire and attract prospective PGR applicants. Several participants also noted the value of the videos as a tool for public engagement and for encouraging more targeted and informed applications, including from those who may not have previously considered certain areas of research.

The full bank of Meet Your Researcher Library can be viewed here.

Were there any surprising or unexpected consequences?

The impact of this initiative has extended beyond the University's promotional efforts. Many researchers have leveraged their videos to promote postgraduate research opportunities on their personal social media platforms and have integrated the video content into paid advertisements, further enhancing their outreach and engagement with prospective researchers. This level of enthusiasm highlights the series' success in showcasing cutting-edge research while contributing to individual marketing efforts.

What advice would you give others wanting to do this?

If you are planning to implement a Researcher Video Series initiative or similar and develop a marketing campaign around it, here are some pieces of advice to consider:

Define Clear Objectives: Establish the purpose of the videos upfront. Focus on creating concise, engaging content that highlights each researcher’s work while appealing to prospective PGRs.
Diverse Representation: Strive for diversity not only in gender and race but also across various disciplines. This broadens the appeal and showcases the university's research strengths.
Collaborate with the Right Videographer: Choose a relaxed and easy-going videographer who understands the research environment. Their ability to adapt to changes, such as delays or challenging locations, can significantly reduce stress during filming.
Allocate Sufficient Time: Initially, shorter booking slots may seem efficient, but two-hour slots proved to be more effective. This allows for flexibility, including time for breaks and addressing unforeseen issues.
Script Development Methodology: When rewriting scripts, guide researchers to introduce themselves and succinctly state their research focus. Encourage them to articulate outcomes and include an impact statement. Additionally try to connect their work to potential PGR interests.
Simplify Language: Ensure that language and syntax are accessible, especially for non-native English speakers. This enhances understanding and engagement.
Understand the Research Context: A solid grasp of the research landscape and its significance in recruitment will help create scripts that tell a compelling story about the importance of the research being presented.
Effective Project Management: Coordinating filming schedules for multiple researchers requires careful planning. Maintain a flexible approach and be prepared for last-minute changes without overwhelming your schedule.
Utilise Technology: Incorporating an autocue can streamline the filming process, allowing researchers to deliver their scripts confidently. This not only saves time during filming but also aids in producing accurate closed captions for the videos.
Anticipate Pitfalls: Be aware of potential challenges, such as scheduling conflicts and last-minute cancellations. Having a backup plan or a waiting list can help manage these issues effectively.

Overall, implementing a Researcher Video Series of this nature requires good project management, a commitment from key stakeholders, collaboration, and clear communication. By applying some of the lessons learned at Dundee, research and those who conduct it, can be showcased in a meaningful way. At Dundee we have aimed to demonstrate the University's diverse and inclusive community, this project has the potential to significantly boost research knowledge exchange and engagement both internally and externally.