Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated (Royal Society).

Our programme of initiatives includes creating an inclusive research environment, removing barriers, recognising different contributions, supporting researchers’ career development and well-being, involving non-academic stakeholders in research, and keeping our research practice sound and open.

Research culture is a prominent issue in the UK research and innovation sector. The effort to improve in UK higher education has been fragmented: Many universities are carrying out various short-term projects with little coordination, which can lead to a duplication in efforts.

The National Centre for Research Culture will work with UK research funding bodies and universities to coordinate our collective efforts, seeking synergy and sharing best practice across the sector, with a sustained, substantial focus on improving research culture and environment.

At Warwick, we’ve been actively working to provide support for researchers across our campus and remove barriers to productivity through a substantial research culture programme, with research culture a central theme in our research strategy.

Our excellent track record encompasses areas such as mental health, productivity, leadership training and development and EDI issues in innovation.

A positive research culture helps support all research staff to enjoy their work, providing an environment where colleagues feel valued and are free to express themselves, share ideas and build connections with one another. Ultimately, a good research culture will help academics thrive and impact their career paths.

For higher education institutions, a positive research culture will help to attract and retain talent, and improve the quality of research undertaken overall.