Dr Caitlin McDonald , InFrame Project Coordinator, University of St Andrews
This might seem hard to believe, particularly if you are feeling lost in that interim space between student and staff, acknowledging that the policies and benefits available do not always apply to you, but if you are a postgraduate researcher (PGR), you are a leader in research and you can change research culture for the better.
While satisfaction rates of the postgraduate research student experience are generally quite high across the sector, research culture and community scores from the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), have remained relatively low (61% and 60% respectively in 2024). With the expansion of the People, Culture and Environment element of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029, and UKRI’s publication of A New Deal for Postgraduate Researchin 2023, awareness of research culture and the issues that are facing PGRs is increasing. Changes for the better are being made throughout the sector, but a top-down approach is not always the most effective. Indeed, PGRs are experts in their fields, with a wealth of knowledge, diverse experiences and ambition, so why shouldn’t they take ownership of co-creating a positive research culture?
By advocating for better working practices, taking into consideration wellbeing and inclusivity, promoting ethical research practices and encouraging collaboration, PGRs can create visible change for the better within the research community.
Below, you’ll find some top tips on how to build a better research culture within your institution, as well as information about how you can engage with the InFrame project to become a leader in collegial research.
Top Tips for PGRs who want to build a better research culture
- Get involved in projects that seek to improve research culture. This may be by leading a Culture Catalyst Fund application yourself, collaborating with colleagues on a joint application, or simply spreading the word that these opportunities are out there. Our call is open until 9 May 2025, and our team can support you on each step of the way (see below for more information). If you are based within another HE institution, or you have missed the call, don’t worry, there is a lot of work on research culture happening across the country, so keep your eyes peeled and volunteer where you can.
- Thank and acknowledge your colleagues. Do you have a colleague, fellow research student, supervisor or member of support staff who is doing a great job, who is always there to help you and who deserves some recognition? Let them know! People Make Research, which runs yearly at the University of Glasgow, Seek, Find, Celebrate, which is currently open at the University of Edinburgh, and Together, Research Excels, which is shortly launching at the University of St Andrews are initiatives where you can give a public shout-out to those who support you. Alternatively, send them an email or meet them for a coffee, and just tell them they are doing a great job.
- Model positive behaviours and call out the bad. Lead by example; this might be by freely sharing ideas and information with your peers, considering EDIA when presenting your work, maintaining high levels of research integrity or by promoting sustainability. At the same time, you should actively challenge poor culture and behaviours if you encounter them, either through a friendly chat with the individuals for minor issues or escalating more serious issues through the official channels.
- Get involved with the PGR community. Attend social events or PGR mixers (in person or online) that are run by your department, graduate school, or equivalent. Discussing your research in an informal manner can spark innovation, ease anxiety, and build collaboration while expanding your network can bring opportunities that you would have never foreseen. Building a secure and supportive group of peers can also do wonders for your wellbeing!
- Get involved in the wider research community. Don’t just attend events that are run solely for PGRs. Attend conferences, symposia and guest talks where possible; ask if there are opportunities to get involved in activities in your department; strike up conversation with other researchers over the water cooler if you meet them in person or ask a question by email if you are a remote PGR. Learning from more experienced researchers and finding out about the work that is going on is a fantastic way to expand your knowledge and increase your sense of belonging, and at the same time, your contributions and perspectives can make a meaningful impact to the research community.
- Set expectations as well as boundaries. This is vital for your wellbeing. Speak to your supervisors and collaborators to co-create reasonable expectations for workload allocations, appropriate time for feedback, and the frequency and format of your meetings. At the same time, set out boundaries for yourself and communicate them with those you work closely with e.g. “I will not work on my thesis during my annual leave” or “I will not respond to emails at weekends”. Remember, it works both ways – you need to set healthy boundaries and expectations for yourself, but you should also acknowledge and respect your supervisor’s workload and commitments.
- Take advantage of development opportunities. As a PGR you are entitled to benefit from the researcher development opportunities within your institution. As well as upskilling you in specific areas to improve your research, these programmes and workshops equip you with knowledge for your future career and give you the opportunity to network, often in an interdisciplinary setting, creating further routes for collaboration.
- Have your say. Take part in surveys such as the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) or local opportunities to give feedback where possible. It is impossible for universities to know exactly what the postgraduate community wants to improve on, if you don’t tell them!
InFrame and the Culture Catalyst Fund
Funded by Wellcome, the InFrame project aims to improve collegial leadership at the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews.
InFrame aims to disrupt traditional hierarchies, give a voice to those in the research ecosystem who may have been previously overlooked, encourage the emergence of new ideas from new leaders and celebrate collegial and collaborative working practices.
If you are studying for a research degree at any one of these institutions, and you have an idea for a project that will improve research culture, please apply to the Culture Catalyst Fund.
We will fund innovative, collaborative projects that look to improve how research is led. You can apply for up to £50k for a ten-month project, starting in summer 2025.
To help level the playing field, you do not have to be experienced in grant writing to apply, instead, get in touch with our team and we can support you with your application.
Contact us at:
University of Glasgow, Dr Cristina Vazquez Martin (Project Coordinator)
University of St Andrews, Dr Caitlin McDonald (Project Coordinator)
University of Edinburgh, Dr Theoni Massara (Project Coordinator)