Research Staff Forum

Overview:

The Research Staff Forum is a networking and focus group for research active colleagues.

We meet to share views on issues such as learning, development and engagement and to share good practice and ideas.

All research active colleagues are welcome - if you would like to attend or have suggestions for agenda items please email us.

How does the Research Staff Forum operate?

• Find out about essential /new information about the University of Warwick that is useful to Research Active Staff (RAS).
• Meets once per term, with an agenda shaped by Forum members.
• Find out about local and national issues relating to Research Active Staff (RAS)
• Discuss key issues with University staff.
• Invited speakers and discussion panels on topics of interest to the research community.
• Influence Warwick policy and practice and help to improve the experience of being a researcher at Warwick.
• Develop representatives’ experience of chairing, shaping topics for discussion at the meetings and representing the views of fellow Research Active Staff.
• Meet staff from different departments.

What has the Research Staff Forum achieved?

• Input and review the institutional Athena Swan and HR Excellence in Research submissions.
• Made the University aware of researchers' views towards the Fixed Term Employees' Regulations.
• Improved structures for communication between Research Active Staff (RAS) in departments.
• Contributed to the documentation and processes for Personal Development Reviews.
• Campaigned for an Induction provision specifically for Research Active Staff (RAS).
• Trying to influence University policy on study leave and promotion for research staff.

Who can join the Research Staff Forum?

• Any research active staff member
• Other support staff who can contribute to the forums work such as LMD, the Library etc

Researcher Committee Representatives from the RSF:

The representative of the Research Staff Forum is appointed to attend Warwick's Research Committee.

The Research Committee is part of Warwick's governance structure with a remit to advise the Senate on all matters relating to the research strategy of the University and to support the Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and relevant Pro-Vice-Chancellor(s) in driving forward the agreed research strategy.

The RSF representatives on the Research Committee:

2025- Camilla Audia (Global Sustainable Development)

2024/25 Dannelle Gutarra Cordero (past representative)

2021/22 - Sharifah Sekalala (past representative)