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Research Culture Enablers Network

The Research Culture Enablers Network (RCEN) is a solutions-focused group dedicated to exchanging, debating, and challenging ideas to improve research culture. We aim to eliminate inequities, generate new knowledge, and drive meaningful change.

The network is aimed at all colleagues committed to improving research culture and interested in partnering with others to achieve greater results.

Research Culture Definition

RCEN members have co-created the following list of top ten shared priority areas for research culture:

  • Research Leadership
  • Psychological Safety in Research
  • Responsible Research Metrics
  • Inclusive Research Environments
  • Embedding Institutional Research Culture Change
  • Research Career Diversity and Mobility
  • Recognition of diverse contributions to research
  • Open and Transparent Research
  • Research Enabler Empowerment
  • Collaborative and Equitable Research Culture

The network meets every two months online for sector updates, presentations, and networking, working as groups on specific research culture challenges.

Through these activities we hope to develop our thought leadership and to improve our practice.

Insights into People, Culture and Environment in REF2029

Dr Jonathan Pietrowski,
Research England

Best practices from Research Integrity & Culture Week

Grace Murkett and Dr Maria Weikum,
University of Strathclyde

Sweeping Away
Barriers to Interdisciplinary Research

Dr Cristina V. Martin,
University of Edinburgh

The RCEN Committee steers the network with insights from various types of research institutions with localised challenges.

The Research Culture Enablers Network: Building a Better Culture TogetherLink opens in a new window

RCEN network lead Dr Rika Nair and committee members Dr Elisa Clemente and Dr Cathal Rogers discuss the origins and aspirations of the network, delve into why it's crucial for professionals to collaborate, and discuss how this can drive significant advancements in research culture.

Evolution of Research Culture: Career Paths and Strategic RolesLink opens in a new window

Yasmine Rhoseyn, Dr Tish Kriznik and Ellen Cole discuss how they landed in their unique roles and the evolution of their passion for research culture. The team provides insights into the current structure of research culture in their institutions and the broader sector, discussing key drivers including funding, government strategies, and the Research Excellence Framework.

Network members are encouraged to share what they would like RCEN to achieve.
A common theme is a desire to share knowledge, advocate for positive change, and develop support for those most affected by research culture issues.

To share your thoughts, and for all other queries, get in touch: