Research and development people and culture strategy launched
Vitae welcomes the people and culture strategy, published by Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy (BEIS). The strategy is part of the government roadmap to help meet ambitions for increased R&D investment in the UK and reinforces the need for positive change in research culture, addressing challenges in the research environment such as incentives, bullying and harassment, complex frameworks, competition and precarity.
Dr Katie Wheat, Head of Engagement and Policy, Vitae, commented in response to the publication:
“The people and culture strategy follows a significant period of discussion and consultation that we are pleased to have been part of. As such, we welcome the comprehensive range of critical issues it encompasses and that we care strongly about. We will be getting behind the ambitions of the strategy in response to its 'call to action' as I'm sure will others across the sector.
We are particularly happy to see a commitment to recognising a broader range of contributions by researchers, which aligns with our perspective on the value of researchers to R&D and beyond. However it will be important for all of the ambitions raised in the strategy to be backed up by concrete, complementary and collaborative actions that ensure rewarding careers for the diverse research talent we already have, as well as attracting new talent.
This strategy is the start of the work, not the end, and achieving its aims will be complex. We fully support the desire for a positive, inclusive and respectful culture, and we look forward to helping realise the investment in evidence gathering, further implementation of positive drivers, healthy funding environment, and appropriate measures of success that follow from this strategy.”
A launch event took place on 29 July 2021 between 10:00 - 11:00 which included the opportunity to ask Minister Solloway further questions about the strategy.
Read people and culture strategy report
Read more about the Researcher Development Concordat
Further information
Sarah Nalden, Communications and Marketing Executive
T: 07708 914976 E: sarah.nalden@vitae.ac.uk
Notes to editors
About Vitae www.vitae.ac.uk
Vitae and its membership programme are managed by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited, an independent registered charity.
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.
Vitae is a non-profit programme with nearly 50 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
CRAC provides research intelligence and innovation for all those who support career development for people of all ages and in all sectors. We work in partnership with government agencies, education organisations and providers and employers and professional bodies.
CRAC is a registered charity No 313164 established in 1964.
