Being a Researcher

Information and links to help you understand and successfully transition into your researcher role.

New Staff Meet-Ups

Human Resources (HR) and the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) run ‘New Staff Meet-Up’ sessions for staff who have recently joined the University. As part of these sessions, colleagues in different roles will give ‘Lightning Talks’ on their experiences of working at the University and there will be an opportunity for networking.

New Staff Meet-Up Sessions

Guide for New Researchers

The Institute of Academic Development has produced a guide for research staff starting a research position at the University of Edinburgh, this guide covers the following:

  • Links to relocation advice from within the University, for those moving to Edinburgh
  • Inductions available from around the University
  • Key areas to think about to successfully transition into your researcher position

Guide for New Researchers

New Staff Career Development Timeline: A Career Planning Guide for new Research Staff

A comprehensive guide designed to highlight key resources for career planning and the stage at which you might need them during your time at the University of Edinburgh.

Code of Practice for the Management and Career Development of Research Staff

The Code of Practice for the Management and Career Development of Research Staff, and links to the processes and policies it outlines.  The code provides guidance on how the researcher’s employment with the University, the progress of their research, and their professional and career development should be managed.  It aims to identify the specific responsibilities in the management process that fall to the researcher, their manager and the institution and encourages regular discussion at various stages of the process.

Code of Practice for the Management and Career Development of Research Staff

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

The Concordat sets out, in three clear principles: Environment and Culture, Employment and Professional and Career Development, the responsibilities of researchers, managers of researchers, institutions and funders.  It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of the UK society and its economy.

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

10 days of Professional Development 

A key commitment in the Concordat is that University of Edinburgh will Provide opportunities, structured support, encouragement and time for researchers to engage in a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year, recognising that researchers will pursue careers across a wide range of employment sectors.

Examples of how researchers might use these 10 days (or more) to best effect

Research Integrity

You are expected to undertake research in such a way that allows others to have confidence and trust in the methods and findings of the research.  This responsibility relates both to the methodological integrity of conducted research and to the professional integrity of the individuals undertaking the research.  The links below provide information on policies, codes of practice, training to help you research with integrity and routes to report concerns around research misconduct. 

Research Integrity

Your responsibilities as a researcher

Research Cultures

The University of Edinburgh is committed to promoting and developing a vibrant and inclusive research culture. View the University’s commitments on research cultures and the results of the 2020 research culture survey. 

Research Cultures

Research Cultures action plan

Research & Innovation Strategy

The Research and Innovation Strategy 2030 sets out the University’s research and innovation plans and ambitions for the next six years.

Research and Innovation