1024ºË¹¤³§

Our Research Culture Away Day was a fantastic opportunity to bring together academic and professional service representatives from across the University to explore what research culture means to us at University of 1024ºË¹¤³§.

The day saw more than 60 research and research-related staff (and PGRs) come together to share ideas, gather insights, and discuss positive changes in how we support and value our researchers. To capture the energy and creativity of the discussions, graphic artist Emma Paxton created a live visual record of the key themes and conversations.

After a welcome from Nigel Williams (Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation), we welcomed Rebekah Smith McGloin, Director of Research Culture and Environment from Nottingham Trent University, who shared their journey in research culture to date. Darren Van Laar (University lead for Research Culture) outlined why research culture matters and how we can build on our existing strengths.

In the workshop element of the day, participants began by exploring the underpinning research culture values we share as a university community and how these aligned to the University’s wider strategy. We discussed the many ways and areas in which we already have a strong research culture, as well as those topics and areas where we would welcome further development. Finally, we discussed the practical and supportive policies and mechanisms we would like to see embedded within our university’s future approach to research culture.

The focus of the day was on looking ahead with optimism and working together to create something meaningful, with an open invitation for continued input through follow-up research culture focus groups and surveys. There was a real buzz in the room, with lots of enthusiasm and commitment to making UoP’s research culture even better.

A big thank you to everyone who took part - we’re excited to see where we go from here!