'One size does not fit all' - inequalities in researcher development in Arts & Humanities
New report: 'One size does not fit all'
Vitae, the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers, and CHASE, the Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England, have uncovered inequalities in development opportunities amongst doctoral researchers; in particular, part-time or distance students, mature learners, individuals with disabilities or mental health issues, and those with caring responsibilities. Similarly, Early career researchers (ECRs) receive highly unequal levels of career development support, in particular those on teaching-only contracts.
The report, entitled One size does not fit all explores the professional development of Arts and Humanities doctoral and early career researchers within a challenging labour market. In the gig economy, the report findings take on even more relevance.
Other key findings reveal the struggle for researchers to balance their professional and career development with the timely completion of their thesis and financial pressures notably contributing to the perception that developmental activities are considered a “distraction”.
Supervisors being perceived as potential gatekeepers of doctoral researcher development is another issue that emerges in the report.
Clare Viney, Chief Executive Officer of CRAC/Vitae commented:
“One size does not fit all marks an important addition to our understanding of researchers’ engagement with professional development within a challenging labour market, and poses interesting questions about the role of professional development within the Arts and Humanities doctorate.”
The report is being officially launched on Thursday 20 July 2017 at RSA House, and can be viewed here and Vitae will also be covering this report extensively at the Vitae Researcher Development Conference in September 2017.
About Vitae www.vitae.ac.uk
Vitae is the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers, experienced in working with institutions as they strive for research excellence, innovation and impact.
We are a non-profit programme, part of CRAC: the Career Development Organisation with over 45 years' experience in enhancing the skills and careers of researchers. We strengthen our members' institutional provision for the professional development of their researchers through research and innovation, training and resources, events, consultancy and membership
About CHASE www.chase.ac.uk
CHASE received a £17m award from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. As one of 11 new Doctoral Training Partnerships in the UK and enrolled its first students in October 2014. In addition to the AHRC’s commitment, our partners have committed over £10m in studentship funding: over the 5 years of the award CHASE will support over 375 PhD students in the arts and humanities across our partner institutions.
Contact
To learn more about this press release, please contact:
Sarah Nalden, Marketing & Communications Executive
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