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Research Culture

What is Research Culture?

UKRI defines research culture as "the environment in which research happens, including the behaviours, expectations, attitudes, and values of our research communities." It emphasises that research culture affects everything from how research is conducted to how individuals and teams are supported and rewarded.

According to the Royal Society, research culture "encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes, and practices that shape the conduct of research." They stress the importance of creating a research culture that promotes creativity, diversity, and inclusion, while fostering excellence and integrity.

Research England explains research culture as "the ecosystem within which research is conducted, which includes the structural, institutional, and personal factors that influence researchers and their work." It includes aspects such as research integrity, collaboration, funding practices, and the impact of research on society.

These definitions underscore that research culture is not just about the research itself, but also about the environment and the people involved, and how their actions and interactions shape the research process and its outcomes. At the Â鶹´«Ã½, we foster a research culture that is creative and inclusive, ensuring that our practices enhance both the well-being of researchers and the quality of research. We are dedicated to promoting equality and ensuring that all researchers feel supported, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Further information can be found on the 

This is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support of researchers and research careers in the UK higher education.

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The Â鶹´«Ã½ is committed to public engagement and the dissemination of our research.

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This concordat makes a clear statement about the responsibilities of Researchers, Employers and Funders of research in maintaining high standards in research.

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HR Excellence in Research Award

The Â鶹´«Ã½ has held the European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award since 2017.

HR Excellence in Research Award
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Responsible and Fair Research Assessment

The Â鶹´«Ã½ is dedicated to fair and responsible research assessment practices.

Responsible and Fair Research Assessment
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Athena Swan

We are delighted to have achieved our institutional Bronze Athena Swan award and the University is committed to advancing gender equality.

More about Athena Swan
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Research & Knowledge Exchange Culture Staff

Professor Emma Bond

Professor Emma Bond is Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange and Professor of Socio-Technical Research at the Â鶹´«Ã½.

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Andreea Tocca

Andreea is Head of Research Culture and Knowledge Exchange.

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Stephen Walford

Stephen is the Head of Research Management in the Research Office, responsible for delivering a responsive and efficient research grants and funding service.

Lucy Williamson

Lucy supports the Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate by providing administrative support for the Research Institutes and the Head of Research Culture.

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Sue Raychaudhuri

Sue is responsible for all research engagement activities and research governance within the Research Directorate.

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Professor Sarah Richards

Sarah was appointed Head of the Suffolk Doctoral College in 2021. Formerly an Associate Dean for Research in the School of Social Science and Humanities.

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Kerri Stevenson

Kerri is our newly appointed Postgraduate Research Academic Coordinator, working within the Suffolk Doctoral College in the Research Directorate team.

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Professor Miranda Horvath

Professor Horvath is a leading international researcher in the field of forensic psychology, specifically Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

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Professor Valerie Gladwell

Professor Gladwell's research utilises biochemical, physiological, and psychological skills, with a passion for enhancing lifelong health.

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Professor Darryl Newport

Darryl Newport (Professor of Energy and Sustainable Development) is the Director of the Suffolk Sustainability Institute at the Â鶹´«Ã½, UK.

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Dr Amanda Hodgkinson

Amanda is an award-winning internationally published novelist, journalist and writer.

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Professor Nicholas Caldwell

Professor Nicholas Caldwell is Professor of Information Systems Engineering at the Â鶹´«Ã½.

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Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster

Noreen is Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange and has extensive experience in  senior leadership and management nursing roles.

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Dr Nick Tucker

Nick Tucker is Associate Dean and lecturer for Biomedical Sciences and is a molecular microbiologist interested in the biology of Pseudomonas bacteria.

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We are a dynamic and vibrant community dedicated to fostering the growth, development, and collaboration of early career researchers across all Schools and Research Institutes. Our network provides an inclusive platform where emerging researchers can connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you're a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD candidate, or someone just beginning their research journey, we invite you to join our community and become part of a supportive and engaging environment.

At the Â鶹´«Ã½, our objectives for supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) include:

  • Fostering a supportive environment where ECRs can enhance their skills and expand their professional networks, empowering them to successfully compete in the job market.
  • Responding to the needs and interests of ECRs, ensuring that these insights shape our activities and the opportunities we provide.
  • Supporting the growth of individual ECRs by offering access to opportunities that may currently be beyond their reach.
  • Promoting equality of opportunity for ECRs by encouraging diversity and inclusivity in all our initiatives.
  • Expanding our support for ECRs in their career development through a range of initiatives, including skills-building programs, networking events, workshops, and other tailored opportunities.

Why Join Us?

  • Network with researchers across a variety of disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that spark innovative ideas and drive innovative research projects.
  • Knowledge Exchange and Skills Development: Broaden your expertise by exploring diverse research topics and methodologies. Our workshops and training development sessions are designed to equip you with key skills, from research communication to grant writing.
  • Build Relationships: Engage with experienced mentors and fellow early career researchers, forming meaningful relationships that can guide and support you through the early stages of your career.
  • Showcase Your Work: Take advantage of opportunities to present your research at internal and external events, participate in collaborative projects, and increase your visibility within the academic community.
  • Join a community that amplifies the voices of early career researchers, advocating for your concerns and aspirations at an institutional level.

ECR Lunch Talk Events

Our ECR Lunch Talk series is a unique platform for early career researchers, including PhDs, to come together, share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives, while also gaining insights from their peers and more experienced researchers in the field. We aim to build a supportive community where ideas flourish, collaborations are born, and lasting connections are forged.

Why Attend?

  • Meet Like-Minded Researchers: Connect with potential collaborators and build relationships.
  • Share Your Work: Get feedback and learn from others.
  • Gain Insights: Learn best practices from guest speakers from various fields.
  • Join a Vibrant Community: Engage with researchers who support and inspire one another.

 

Â鶹´«Ã½ Staff - For more information please visit the Hub intranet.

 

Joining our network

For any inquiries, please contact Andreea Tocca, Head of Research Culture, at a.tocca@uos.ac.uk. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community of early career researchers.

Researcher and Knowledge Development Programme 2024-2025

Embarking on a research and knowledge exchange journey requires dedication, curiosity, and a strong support network. Our development programme is designed to offer a platform that not only enhances research and knowledge exchange skills but also fosters collaboration, strengthens academic communication, and provides opportunities for professional growth.

Throughout the programme, researchers will:

  • Engage with experienced researchers, gaining valuable insights from their experiences.
  • Participate in workshops, seminars, and training sessions specifically designed to enhance research and knowledge exchange capabilities.
  • Collaborate with peers, fostering interdisciplinary discussions and building a culture of shared knowledge.
  • Grow as researchers, developing a deeper understanding of the ethical, practical, and innovative aspects of academia.

These workshops address the varied needs and challenges faced by academic professionals at different stages of their careers. They equip participants with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the ever-changing research and knowledge exchange landscape with confidence.

We encourage all staff to take full advantage of the resources, networks, and opportunities available through the Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Programme; actively engage, ask questions, seek guidance, and share your experiences. This journey is about both personal growth and enhancing the quality and impact of research at our university.

To learn more about the sessions, please view (accessible to internal staff only).

Career development for researchers

Â鶹´«Ã½ supports the and our researcher development programme is based on the national . The framework has been developed to provide the tools for individuals to map and plan their professional development as researchers. 

How to Get Involved

  • Sign Up: Register for the programme to receive updates on upcoming workshops, events, and resources.
  • Attend Workshops: Internal students and staff can browse and register for workshops that align with your interests and goals.
  • Engage: Join discussions, network with peers, and take advantage of the various opportunities the programme provides.

Further support

If you have any questions about the Researcher and Knowledge Exchange Development Programme, or need to organise specific training that is not covered by our programme, please contact the Head of Research Culture, Andreea Tocca, at a.tocca@uos.ac.uk

How to contact us

For more information about research at the Â鶹´«Ã½, or to discuss potential collaborations, please contact us. Join us at the Â鶹´«Ã½, where research thrives, and innovation knows no bounds. Together, we can shape the future and make a lasting impact on the world.

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