Research culture
The University of Edinburgh is committed to promoting and developing a vibrant and inclusive research culture. View the University’s commitments on research culture and the results of the 2020 research culture survey.
Our people and culture is what drives our success. A research culture which nurtures and recognises community, openness, good research practice and fair recognition is one that best supports our capacity to deliver world-leading research. The Research Cultures Working Group works closely with the University's Research Ethics and Integrity Review Group (REIRG), and the Institute for Academic Development to bring together work on Research Culture.
Research Cultures Forum
The Research Cultures Forum works on behalf of the Research Strategy Group to establish policies and mechanisms to promote positive research cultures at the University of Edinburgh, incorporating equality, diversity and inclusion, across all career stages.
In the second of the bi-monthly thematic events, hosted by Professor Jane Hillston, this event featured Dr Will Cawthorn presenting on the role of research metrics, assessment and research practices and how these impact research culture alongside Professor Malcolm Macleod presenting on research integrity and reproducibility.
In the first of the bi-monthly thematic events the group explored the role of Dignity and Respect Advisors at the University of Edinburgh and how they support colleagues dealing with issues of bullying and harassment. The event featured a presentation from Dr Caroline Wallace, Senior Partner - Equality Diversity & Inclusion, followed by a discussion between Professor Jane Hillston and Dr Katie Nicoll Baines about their experiences being Dignity & Respect Advisors.
View the Research Cultures Dignity and Respect Event Recording (27 October 2021)
Research Cultures Action Plan
Our new - and first ever - Research Cultures Action Plan was agreed by University Executive in February 2023. Highlights of the plan include measures on recognising collegiality and citizenship in annual review and promotions, more targeted support for under-represented groups, and an ambitious plan for supporting our technician community.
Its implementation will be supported by three new posts in the Institute for Academic Development, to provide careers support for early career researchers, PI training, and a new senior professional post to lead on Research Cultures work.
Research Cultures Action Plan
Research Cultures Delivery Plan
The Research Cultures Delivery plan was developed over summer 2023 and describes the specific measures that will be taken to deliver the Research Cultures Action Plan.
Research Cultures | Support For Researchers
Research culture survey
The University ran its first research culture survey in summer 2020. We are working on bringing these results together to inform an action plan across the University.
View summary results of the 2020 Research Culture Survey (available via the Open Science Framework)
More detailed results are available in a dashboard to University staff.
View 2020 Research Culture Survey 2020 dashboard results (University of Edinburgh staff only)
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Research Culture Hub
A hub of resources for researchers based within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine to support a positive and inclusive research culture within the College, the University and the wider sector.
College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine Research Culture Hub
Research culture virtual suggestions box
As part of our wider efforts to support a vibrant research culture, we would like to hear about examples of good or innovative practice that could be rolled out more widely, and likewise any areas that need improvement. Please use our virtual 'suggestions box' to help us.
Submit a suggestion to our Research Culture Virtual Suggestions Box (University staff only)
Our commitments to date
Researcher Development Concordat
San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment
UUK Concordat to Support Research Integrity
Contact
For further information, please get in touch directly with Edinburgh Research Office.