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

Quantum Base’s ordinary shares are now trading on the LSE AIM market

First Lancaster University spin out to float on the London Stock Exchange

Quantum Base has become the first ever Lancaster University spin out to float on the London Stock Exchange following its successful fundraising and admission to trading. 
Author Bella Lack is seen holding a small insect and they are set against a blurred leafy green backdrop - the image also shows the front cover of Bella

Initiative will see global platform for leading voices

The creation of an exciting new Lancaster International Lecture Series has been developed through a collaboration between Lancaster University and Litfest, Lancaster’s renowned literature festival.
from left: Dr Sana Hannan and Dr Katerina Gatsiou

Talented early career researchers awarded Academy of Medical Sciences funding

Two Lancaster researchers have been awarded over £100,000 as part of the Academy of Medical Sciences’ highly competitive Springboard programme .
older adults do not experience greater muscle function loss after exercise compared with younger individuals

Older adults experience similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise

Older adults experience less muscle soreness following exercise according to research which overturns the widespread belief that ageing muscles are less resilient. 
A montage of several pictures of children enjoying campus in the city activities from last year and one of two women talking alongside the campus in the city logo

Exciting discoveries lined up for Campus in the City

A key community event, designed to help people explore Lancaster University’s cutting-edge research, experience interactive activities and discover more about its work, is lined up for the Easter school holidays.
Image shows the three new Fellows: From left to right: Professor Nancy Preston, Professor Lauren Devine and Professor Michaela Benson

‘Outstanding’ social scientists elected to receive high honour

Three Lancaster professors are to be honoured for excellence in their fields and their substantial contributions to social science for public benefit.

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