Research culture and environment – diverse and rewarding careers

11 Dec 2024

The development of our researchers is at the heart of all we do – find out more about our opportunities and initiatives and the lived experiences of our research community

Good research culture is an integral part of how we work together here at Manchester. It is the way that we collaborate, communicate, and interact with each other; the behaviours, attitudes, and values that shape how our research is developed, conducted, and used; and the mechanisms by which we support research and recognise and reward that work.  

An integral aspect of this is supporting diverse and rewarding careers for those involved in research across the University. This includes our early careers academic and research staff, senior researchers and professors, our postgraduate researchers (PGRs), and those such as research methodologists and technicians whose contributions are also essential to the research process.  

Researcher development includes a broad range of support and activities; it is not just workshops to help you develop specific skills for your research and it’s not just for the start of your career. Development opportunities and needs will vary depending on career stage, goals, and preferences in engaging with development.

Opportunities and initiatives

Some of the different opportunities and initiatives that are available are listed below:  

• Our high-quality training and support cover all career stages from PGR, research staff, new academics, research fellows and established and leading researchers. 
• Our Prosper programmes give research staff an opportunity to pause and reflect on their career development, career opportunities inside and beyond academia, and support them to unlock their potential 
• We are developing new initiatives to provide tailored support for different groups of staff including mid-career academics, research methodologists, and development structures and opportunities for our technical workforce. Our action plan to meet the principles of the Researcher Development Concordat, includes new activities such as a dedicated leadership course for research fellows and piloting a scheme to provide enhanced job security.  
• The academic promotions criteria have been reviewed and updated, bringing additional clarity on expectations. Guidance and promotions support workshops are available in faculties and through the researcher development team, to help staff put together their case for promotion. 
• Promotions are not the only form of recognition, and our range of awards such as the MDC Excellence Awards for PGRs and their supervisors, the Research Staff Excellence Awards, and the 'Making a Difference Awards'  give opportunities to celebrate colleagues for their achievements, their collegiality, and the impact of their research.  
• Our new PI ‘toolkit’ helps those who manage researchers to further support and develop their staff, while the PGR supervisors toolkit helps support the next generation of researchers. 
• Finally, our dedicated funding streams for research staff help develop research independence, allowing staff to access funding to develop collaborations and disseminate their researcher, helping their own career and professional development.  

Lived experiences and further support

Take a look at our case studies, showcasing how individuals have taken career development opportunities, and be sure to look at our new Research Culture and Environment Hub for current and upcoming opportunities.  

Finally, please sign up for, or encourage colleagues to sign up for, the  2025 Research Staff conference which will focus on Futureproofing Your Career: Collaboration, Development, and Sustainability.