What is research culture?
The concept of research culture focuses on the way research is carried out. It encompasses the behaviours, values, practices and principles guiding research processes and the overall experience of individuals within the research environment, including recognition of all contributions.
Research culture in the UK has seen significant advancement in recent years, driven by various reports, papers and initiatives led by policymakers and funders.
- Royal Society -
- UKRI -
- Wellcome Trust -
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology -
- The National Centre for Research Culture – the University of Warwick hosts the national Centre, and has a range of national events, including an annual conference aimed at those who are interested in research culture.
One of the University’s five enabling strategies is Diverse, with delivery pathways established through the People Strategy.
In the context of research culture, Diverse and the People Strategy enables us to consider researchers and research holistically. We recognise that individuals’ roles are rarely tightly bounded, for instance researchers also teach our students and research support professionals may have elements of HR or finance in their role.
In building on the work being undertaken through the People Strategy, we ask a simple question: ‘What are the implications of this for research and researchers?’ and it is through this we identify and derive our complementarity to jointly advance action. We will ensure that this is clear through our research culture missions.
Three critical objectives have been identified for research under Diverse, which are collaboration, career pathways, and positive and ethical working practices. These will be delivered through this joined-up approach to action.