The University defines its research culture as the way people collaborate, communicate, and interact, including the values and attitudes shaping research development, conduct, and impact. It also includes the systems supporting, recognising, and rewarding research efforts. To strengthen this culture, a funding opportunity was offered to teams across the University—regardless of job role—to develop or scale up solutions addressing challenges in the research environment.
Applicants could receive between £50,000 and £80,000 for projects that align with one of four key themes: supporting diverse and rewarding careers, enabling open and impactful research, upholding high ethical standards, and promoting collaboration and interdisciplinarity. Seven teams were awarded funding for their innovative proposals under these themes.
Professor Melissa Westwood, Associate Vice-President for Research, praised the diversity and creativity in the submitted proposals and expressed optimism about the positive influence the selected projects would have on the University’s research culture.
Among the funded initiatives is a project led by Professor Jackie Carter focused on enhancing inclusion for disabled postgraduate and early career researchers. It will address specific barriers and build collaborative networks through platforms like Doctoral Academies and support services.
Another project, spearheaded by Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, aims to create a tailored professional development program for researchers from global majority backgrounds. It will include mentorship, training for principal investigators, and advocacy to foster an equitable research environment.
The Open Research Fellowship Programme, led by Scott Taylor and colleagues, seeks to grow a network of Open Research advocates and promote transparency in research practices. This project will produce case studies and resources to support community learning and researcher development.
Dr Nia Coupe’s team is embedding sustainability into non-laboratory-based research. Their project will develop a toolkit using behavioural science to help researchers integrate sustainable practices without adding extra burden.
Dr Birte Vogel is enhancing ethical practices in qualitative research beyond formal ethics board reviews. Her team will work with international collaborators to equip researchers with tools and guidance for handling ethical dilemmas and improving institutional support for responsible research.
Charlene Gallery and Dr Omodunni Adenyi are leading a project to build a supportive network for Black female academics, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, provide development opportunities, and offer microgrants to overcome funding challenges.
Lastly, Professor John McAuliffe and partners from the University’s cultural institutions will develop soft infrastructure to support interdisciplinary research. Their project will create resources such as training materials and a ‘decision tree’ to help facilitate joint initiatives between researchers and cultural partners.
These projects represent a strategic investment in shaping a more inclusive, ethical, collaborative, and impactful research culture at the University.
