Research Culture

At Lancaster University, we cultivate a supportive and inclusive research environment where every individual is empowered to thrive and innovate.

What is Research Culture?

Research Culture is a broad term that encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. The Royal Society has put together this video which is helpful in providing definition around the term Research Culture.

What Research Culture means to us:

The Research-excellence Culture Action Plan (ReCAP) is Lancaster's commitment to fostering an environment that supports high-quality, ethical, and inclusive research. This plan outlines four key themes aimed at ensuring the integrity of our research, enabling collaboration and innovation opportunities, recognising and developing our research community, creating a supportive and inclusive environment and recognising and developing our research community. The four themes are illustrated below, each with their own associated sub-themes.

Infographic of 4 themes and sub-themes of the Research excellence Culture Action Plan.
Meeting of the Research Culture Strategic Advisory Group

Research Culture Strategic Advisory Group (RCSAG)

RCSAG is chaired by Professor Stijn Mertens, Academic Director for Research Culture with a remit:

  • to ensure that the principles and ambitions in university policies relating to research culture are realised;
  • to develop and oversee process via the institutional Research-excellence Culture Action Plan (ReCAP);
  • to act as a conduit for communication, decision-making and strategic planning.
  • to evaluate how initiatives have enhanced research culture and added institutional value.

The group comprises representation from across the researcher community including technicians, academics and researchers, research enabling staff and PGRs.

The strategic direction and decisions set by the Group are implemented and actualised indirectly via existing associated groups/committees or directly via the establishment of sub- task and finish - groups.

For more information contact: researchculture@lancaster.ac.uk

Research News

Stories from Lancaster's researchers around the world

The image on the right shows Karel Klic pictured at his easel with a portrait of Herbert Lushington Storey with other Storey family portraits. The image on the left shows a portrait of Sir Thomas Storey by Karel Klic.

Retired lecturer joins search for precious portraits with Lancaster connection

A retired University lecturer is calling for help in the search for portraits painted by Karel Klic, a remarkable artist and pioneering inventor who lived and worked in Lancaster more than a century ago. 
Image shows row of black seats that would be used by a jury

Researchers on the case to find mock jurors in the name of justice

A new appeal for members of the public to step forward and take part in a mock trial as mock jurors has been launched by a team of researchers at Lancaster University Law School.

 
PhD student Donna Shrestha at the awards ceremony at The Royal College of Physicians in Liverpool

Research Student of the Year award for Lancaster postgraduate student

Lancaster PhD student Donna Shrestha has won Research Student of the Year at the North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards 2025.
from left: two venomous snakes - a green mamba and Dr Hall with a bitis

Public lecture explores devastating impact of snakebite envenoming

Lancaster University is hosting a thought-provoking lecture that sheds light on a little-known, yet deadly, global health emergency: snakebite envenoming. 
Deep concentration as youngsters get to grips with one of the 30 activities and demonstrations at Campus in the City. Photograph by Robin Zahler.

Family-friendly Campus in the City draws in the crowds

More than 600 people enjoyed Lancaster University’s popular Campus in the City event last weekend.
Image shows Laura Clancy on the right with the front cover of her book which shows a beige castellated buiding on a brown background

Monarchy comes under the microscope in new book

A new book, written by a Lancaster University lecturer, which examines the British monarchy’s place in today’s society will be published later this month.

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