A2 - Enabling researchers to be change agents
| Day | Day 1 |
|---|---|
| Code | A2 |
| Start time | 13:15 |
| Audience |
Developing research staff
In a policy/strategic/leadership role
|
| Presenters |
Dr Justin Hutchence, Researcher Training and Development Manager, Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, University of Oxford Dr Karen Clegg, Head of Research Excellence Training, University of York Dr Francina Clayton, Postdoctoral Research Associate and Research Staff Liaison Officer, University of York Dr Rachel Bray, Strategy Lead / Careers Adviser for Post-Graduate Research Students and Research Staff, University of Oxford Dr Anne Miller, Enterprise Programme Manager, MPLS, University of Oxford Dr Erfan Soliman, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford |
Workshop overview:
The session will compare and contrast examples of a new model of engaging researchers and enabling them to become change agents within their University. This model was developed at York and Yale. The examples come from: York and Oxford's Careers Service, and Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences Division. This model involves researchers working with remuneration as: co-creators of enterprise educational programmes, communication conduits between researchers and the institution; and promoting researcher career development to their colleagues. At York, Research Staff Liaison Officers were vital in coordinating responses to the revision of the Concordat. This resulted in York having the highest number of group responses of the 76 institutions represented. The model addresses challenges for researcher development such as:
- Low, uneven or unpredictable levels of researcher engagement
- Predicting current and emerging career aspirations
- Researcher representation
- Creating institutional roles and structures for researchers
- Supporting research staff societies
Themes covered:
- Strategic opportunities and challenges for organisations in creating and sustaining environments where researchers can flourish
- Innovative and practical approaches to the professional and career development of researchers across all career stages and institutional contexts
Workshop aims:
- To share good practice
- To discuss the implications of the model for institutions and the sector
- To discuss the ways in which this model could be applied in different ways
- To discuss ways in which the model could be improved
Value for delegates:
- It introduces them to a new approach to researcher engagement
- It gives them an opportunity to think how it might be applied in their own situation and to addressing wider problems
