Originally published 9 June 2004

Research Support Services played host to over 65 academics and administrative staff at the department's Open Day on Wednesday May 26th. This was an opportunity to meet and to put faces to the names of Research Support Services colleagues. The invitation was sent out University-wide, and those who attended were treated for their efforts with drinks, nibbles and lots of information.

Due to the sheer size of the campus and the fast-paced nature of University life, many colleagues involved in Research at Warwick tend to have lots of contact over the phone and via email with very little face-to-face contact. This event successfully brought together such colleagues and its informal nature provided a relaxed environment to find out all about processing and supporting research at the University of Warwick.

The Open Day also gave everyone the opportunity to take a look at the Research Support System. The Research Support System is a web-based searchable database capturing the expertise and academic interests of the University’s research staff. The online resource, which publicises Research Funding Opportunities, was also available to view. In addition to this guests were also able to find out more about Nikki Muckle’s and Andy Roadnight’s Research Mapping Exercise for the Social Studies Faculty which identifies the faculty-wide research themes and the work carried out by Research Development Managers.

The event was well attended and the Vice-Chancellor David Vandelinde stopped by to show his support, as did Deputy Vice-Chancellor Stuart Palmer and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) John Jones. A wide range of staff from a cross section of departments were present including, amongst others, those from Warwick Business School, Engineering, Chemistry, Warwick Medical School, Careers Advisory Service, Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the Communications Office, Central Timetabling, Law, French, and the Academic Office.

All attendees agreed that the afternoon was useful and that they enjoyed meeting those only previously known by voice or e-mail. It is hoped that the event has helped in promoting closer relationships between researchers and the team processing their applications. Furthermore, it has been seen as a successful awareness raising exercise, promoting the significance of Research Support Services’ role in keeping Warwick at the top of the tables for research quality in the UK.

View the Research Support Servcies Open Day photographs.