Research units A-Z

A blue icon inside a circle showing a person wearing a crown, with a light bulb symbol to the right, representing leadership and innovative ideas.
A blue icon inside a circle showing a person wearing a crown, with a light bulb symbol to the right, representing leadership and innovative ideas.

Postgraduate Researchers: Driving Positive Research Culture

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:28:00 BST

If you are a postgraduate researcher (PGR), you are a leader in research and you can change research culture for the better.

A graphic showing a red silhouette of a person, a purple speech bubble with a white scale symbol inside representing justice or balance, and a green circle with a white checkmark symbolizing approval or correctness.
A graphic showing a red silhouette of a person, a purple speech bubble with a white scale symbol inside representing justice or balance, and a green circle with a white checkmark symbolizing approval or correctness.

Opportunities to join the panel for the InFrame Culture Catalyst Fund

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:28:00 BST

Panel member opportunities for InFrame Culture Catalyst Fund.

A coral-colored circle containing three white silhouettes of people, with a light bulb icon above them, symbolizing teamwork, collaboration, and shared ideas.
A coral-colored circle containing three white silhouettes of people, with a light bulb icon above them, symbolizing teamwork, collaboration, and shared ideas.

Insights into the Culture Catalyst Fund Themes

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:28:00 BST

This blog examines the three themes guiding the Culture Catalyst Fund and their potential to transform research culture in higher education institutions.

A yellow circular icon featuring a clipboard with the number 10 at the top and three checkmarks below, alongside a pencil, symbolizing a checklist or task completion.
A yellow circular icon featuring a clipboard with the number 10 at the top and three checkmarks below, alongside a pencil, symbolizing a checklist or task completion.

Top 10 Tips for Applying to the InFrame Project CCF

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:28:00 BST

The InFrame project's Culture Catalyst Fund represents an exciting £1 million opportunity for research culture and leadership projects across the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews.

A graphic showing an open yellow book with a purple light bulb above it, radiating lines to indicate illumination or ideas, symbolizing learning and knowledge.
A graphic showing an open yellow book with a purple light bulb above it, radiating lines to indicate illumination or ideas, symbolizing learning and knowledge.

Revealing the Hidden Curriculum for an Inclusive Future

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:28:00 BST

The hidden curriculum in academia—unspoken norms and informal learning—often excludes underrepresented and neurodivergent researchers, reinforcing privilege and barriers. Access improves through intentional actions like sharing opportunities, inclusive seminars, mentorship, and flexible participation using Universal Design for Learning. Creating an open, participatory research culture is key to making these implicit systems visible and equitable.

A green circular icon showing a person wearing a crown in the foreground, with three smaller figures and a star symbol in the background, representing leadership, recognition, and teamwork.
A green circular icon showing a person wearing a crown in the foreground, with three smaller figures and a star symbol in the background, representing leadership, recognition, and teamwork.

“I really needed this right now”: Why Recognition Matters  

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:28:00 BST

Recognition initiatives like Together, Research Excels show that even small gestures of appreciation can boost morale, break down hierarchies, and foster inclusive research cultures. Simple acknowledgments—through campaigns or personal thanks—highlight unseen contributions and strengthen collaboration across all roles.

A graphic showing a green silhouette of a head with a smaller pink head inside a speech bubble, next to a green chat bubble with text lines and a yellow pencil, symbolizing communication, reflection, and writing.
A graphic showing a green silhouette of a head with a smaller pink head inside a speech bubble, next to a green chat bubble with text lines and a yellow pencil, symbolizing communication, reflection, and writing.

“If you want to talk about something new, you have to make up a new language”: Creating a new leadership language. 

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 16:28:00 BST

This post discusses how language shapes research culture and influences identity, norms, and power dynamics in academia. By examining the language used in policies, processes, and daily interactions, institutions can identify barriers and promote inclusivity. Intentional language choices can help create positive, collaborative environments.

A yellow circular icon showing three stylized people figures with a large heart above them containing a checkmark, and the letters “FLFDN” below, symbolizing community, approval, and support.
A yellow circular icon showing three stylized people figures with a large heart above them containing a checkmark, and the letters “FLFDN” below, symbolizing community, approval, and support.

Insights from the Future Leaders Fellows Development Network Conference

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 16:28:00 BST

The FLFDN Inclusive Leadership conference encouraged authentic engagement, explored diverse definitions of leadership, and highlighted strategies for inclusive policy and cultural change. InFrame’s key takeaways include prioritizing wellbeing as a success measure, using 360 feedback to understand leadership perceptions, and simplifying development programmes to allow space for reflection and collaboration.

A green circular icon featuring a medal with a leaf symbol in the center, flanked by two laurel branches, representing sustainability, achievement, or eco-friendly recognition.
A green circular icon featuring a medal with a leaf symbol in the center, flanked by two laurel branches, representing sustainability, achievement, or eco-friendly recognition.

Beyond buzzwords: Supporting research leaders to foster sustainable and inclusive research practices 

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:28:00 BST

InFrame’s Culture Catalyst Fundsupports projects that improve research culture and promote sustainability across Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews. Drop-in sessions revealed strong interest in sustainable practices—like resource sharing and reducing travel—though awareness of policies is limited. Research leaders play a key role by embedding sustainability early. InFrame will continue raising awareness and encourage projects to “Leave a Legacy” through long-term impact.

A graphic showing a green silhouette of a head with a cream-colored brain inside, three puzzle pieces in purple, orange, and red positioned near the head, and an orange upward arrow, symbolizing problem-solving, learning, and cognitive development.
A graphic showing a green silhouette of a head with a cream-colored brain inside, three puzzle pieces in purple, orange, and red positioned near the head, and an orange upward arrow, symbolizing problem-solving, learning, and cognitive development.

Neurodiversity and the leadership obstacle-course

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:28:00 BST

Neurodivergent researchers face barriers in leadership due to environments and norms designed for neurotypical minds, limiting inclusion and innovation. The It’s not me, it’s you project is gathering experiences to create evidence-based resources that support neuroinclusive leadership and more equitable research cultures.