Researcher Development
Lancaster University is committed to the development of research talent.
The new Institutional Strategic Plan for 2021-2026 has a primary goal ‘to consolidate Lancaster University’s status as a leading global research-intensive university.’ This new strategy maintains a significant focus on research and the researcher community and culture, underpinned by the new institutional values:
- We respect each other by being open and fair and promoting diversity
- We build strong communities by working effectively together in a supportive way
- We create positive change by being ambitious in our learning, expertise and action
Lancaster University is fully committed to the principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. Our vision is for a fully integrated research community within which our exemplary research staff are provided equally exemplary opportunities to contribute, develop and progress. This is underpinned by a Code of Practice for Lancaster’s researchers, researcher managers and for the Institution itself.
The Concordat Implementation Group is the body that promotes and champions the Concordat agenda and monitors the delivery of Lancaster’s action plan. Lancaster's commitment to the Concordat has received European recognition in the form of the prestigious HR Excellence in Research award, first awarded to the institution in 2011.
Lancaster’s Organisational Development (OD) and Curriculum and Education Development Academy (CEDA) teams run an extensive range of programmes for researcher development.
Lancaster University is committed to enabling all staff to fulfil their career and personal ambitions; see our equality diversity and inclusion pages for more information.
Developing our researchers
As part of our commitment to the Concordat all Lancaster Research staff are entitled to 10 development days a year (pro rata). You may want to talk to your PI or supervisor to ensure you can make the most of this opportunity, ensuring activities link to your own professional development plan and career aspirations.
Lancaster’s Organisational Development (OD) and Curriculum and Educational Development Academy (CEDA) teams run an extensive range of programmes. Researcher development is also supported by the Library, who provide support activities and dedicated space for researchers to meet and collaborate with others from across disciplines and the Research Services Office, provide additional information and guidance.
To help you succeed as an academic and researcher, each of these programmes has been mapped against Vitae’s Researcher Development Framework, The Royal Societies’ Resume for Researchers and Lancaster’s own Promotional Criteria.
Research careers and career pathways are varied. While each workshop or courses provides a recommended audience, feel free to select the ones most suited to your specific career development. If you need support identifying your development needs, we recommend talking to your mentor, your line manager, or contact us directly on OD@lancaster.ac.uk for additional information.
You should also explore a range of alternative development options including: seminars; conferences; secondments and shadowing. Explore a range of experiences to enhance your skill sets, perhaps help out with teaching a module of study, volunteer for a committee or offer to mentor colleagues.