ResearchCultureForum

The Research Cultures Forum (RCF) is a space to uncover, explore, advise and support Research Strategy Group (RSG) in improving Research Cultures at University of Edinburgh. The group will be both a resource for RSG in sourcing a broader range of views and inputs into their work, and also a critical friend to RSG in highlighting areas of difficulty or challenge for the University research community that may need to be addressed by RSG or other University structures. The Chair(s) will be selected via an expression of interest call open to all members of the RCF, and have a term of 3 years.

In partnership with RSG, the RCF will promote positive research cultures at the University of Edinburgh through the following actions:

1. Provide suggestions for, and feedback on, the priorities of Research Strategy Group;

2. Provide critical assessment of strategies, policies and/or initiatives that address challenges related to research cultures;

3. Share observations and ongoing challenges related to research cultures in Schools and Colleges with the Research Strategy Group;

4. Support, advise on and communicate progress on the implementation of the Research Cultures Action Plan;

5. Support the development of research cultures narratives and their associated evidence in preparation for the University’s REF submissions;

6. Share good practice amongst and beyond members of the group to ensure continuous improvement of research cultures at Schools, Departments, Colleges and throughout the University.

7. The RCF will aim to promote transparency, inclusion and engagement in its activity by making the agenda, notes of the meeting and papers available within the University except for closed business, via this committee site: Research Cultures Forum.

• The majority of the business of the RCF will be conducted on its open Microsoft Teams channel where information, updates and questions can be shared;

• The RCF will meet up to 4 times a year. Meetings will be open to any member of the University of Edinburgh staff or student population to join and advertised widely.

• RCF is a subgroup of RSG and will report on its activities to RSG twice a year.  The co-chairs will be invited to attend a meeting of RSG once each year to present a report in person, the other report will be presented for information. 

• Should RCF have issues that it wishes to be brought to the attention of RSG, the co-chairs will liaise with the RSG Chair/Secretary.

• Members are encouraged to post information, discussion items and questions on the Teams channel.

• Members should share presentations and updates from channel discussions or meetings with their networks.

• Membership of the RCF will be open to all University of Edinburgh staff and students through their registration with the RCF Teams channel.

• Members are expected to feed into ongoing discussions related to research cultures across the university and promote and communicate activity where appropriate.

• The RCF will be open to guest membership and invite experts when required to ensure critical discussions that support and improve existing research cultures.

• The Co-Chairs of the RCF will be members of the Research Cultures Delivery Group.

Meetings will be supported by ERO, with short notes and actions provided as a summary after each meeting. 

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Last updated 29 January 2026, 2:04 p.m.