Getting to know our Research Culture Pillars

Lead: Dr Darren Van Laar

What’s it about?

This Pillar coordinates our research culture and wider research environment work and seeks to align our strategies and policies with national and international frameworks, such as concordats and REF.

What have we done so far?

Based on our University 2030 research strategy we have developed a comprehensive approach to Research Culture, REF SPRE and research environment related initiatives. We have created and published new REF 2029 policies and developed roles in the university to lead and support our REF and Research Culture ambitions. We have set up the Research Culture Pillars and the Enhancing Research Culture fund and communicated them across the university in support of academics, research staff and the wider research community. The Research Culture and Development Group (RCDG) oversees the work of the Pillars and has research community representatives from across the university.

What’s next?

We continue to develop our Enhancing Research Culture and REF ambitions through university wide support for the research environments and various research concordats such as those for women researchers, contract researchers and HR in research. We act to lobby, and to be a voice for research and research culture across the university.

How can you get involved?

Comments, offers of help or great ideas welcomed. Contact us via [email protected] or find us through the research culture webpages.

Lead: Phee Burt

What’s it about?

Collaborating with colleagues across our research and innovation (R&I) community to provide a range of training and development opportunities, resources, guidance, and coaching and mentoring opportunities. This includes researchers as well as those who support, manage or help to deliver our R&I.

What have we done so far?

Building on the foundation of existing training opportunities across the University, we have developed training and development pathways for colleagues at different career stages, from those new to research and innovation through to established researchers. In parallel, we are reviewing existing provision, identifying gaps, and developing new opportunities to meet emerging needs. We have worked with our R&I staff networks to refine our plans and have delivered a pilot ‘return to research’ coaching programme. We are also working across the University’s research and innovation pillars to coordinate activity and to identify training opportunities relevant to each area.

What’s next?

Over the coming months, we will be progressing the development of a central research and innovation mentoring scheme and implementing the pathways in Docebo along with continuing to develop guidance and training where there are gaps in our provision. In the new year, keep an eye out for new sessions in our Research and Innovation Staff Development Programme (RISDP), which you can find in our Research and Innovation catalogue on Docebo.

How can you get involved?

If you are interested in contributing to or delivering a RISDP session, would like to get involved in mentoring or have an idea that will help support and develop our R&I community or would like to get involved, please contact Phee Burt for an initial chat. 

Lead: Dr Vincent Adams

What’s it about?

Supporting postgraduate researchers across their experiences, including training and development, improving resources and guidance, and working directly with researchers to identify their needs and priorities.

What have we done so far?

We have recently updated the Research Degrees Operational Handbook, to ensure that information is up-to-date, accessible and easy to find for PGRs and supervisors. Recent updates have included clearer guidance about the AI and Digital Tool Statement incorporating feedback from PGRs and colleagues. We have also been working closely with the PGR Wellbeing and EDI group which was instrumental in developing the Inclusive Strategies for Postgraduate Research Degrees document. We also hosted the annual Festival of Doctoral Research, with positive feedback from attendees and record numbers.

What’s next?

In 2026/27, we will be reviewing our online information for applicants, designing new training for PGR Student Reps, exploring research culture for PGRs with Deputy Directors of Postgraduate Research and reviewing the Supervision Development Programme.

How can you get involved?

We will be putting out calls for participants to meet or provide feedback about these areas throughout the year, so please get involved or feel free to email [email protected] if you have any thoughts.

Lead: Dr Matt Miller-Dicks

What’s it about?

This pillar is about building on open research practices across the University, helping researchers to understand why open research is important, and how to make their research more open in ways that are appropriate and relevant to their specific fields of research. It also looks at relevant processes, like identifying and recording open research data. The pillar is closely tied with the University’s Open Research Network (UoPen), allowing a highly collaborative approach.

What have we done so far?

We have hosted several open research events, including events for sharing knowledge within the University’s Open Research Network (UoPen), and training events for different areas across the University. We have also been working with colleagues in the Department of Research and Innovation to develop mechanisms to identify and record open research practices across the institution. Beyond the University, we have been working collaboratively with other Institutions through the UK Reproducibility Network. One outcome from this collaboration includes the development of an open research handbook that has the potential to generate national impact.

What’s next?

We’re exploring participation in an EU funded project which would give us access to a series of resources to support Open Research across the University. We’re also continuing to deliver workshops and work closely with colleagues in different subject areas to understand the norms and best practice for Open Research in their fields. This includes the development and sharing of an open research indicator dashboard that will be used to support collaborative work with different UoAs.

How can you get involved?

Everyone is welcome to join UoPen, including research and professional services colleagues. If you think that your area would benefit from a workshop around Open Research, you can get in touch with your faculty Open Research lead or Unit of Assessment coordinator. You can also discuss any ideas with the pillar lead, Dr Matt Miller-Dicks.

Lead: Dr Karen Middleton

What’s it about?

Promoting fairness, accessibility and inclusion is at the centre of this pillar. This includes an initiative led by the pillar itself, and also supporting and facilitating other groups across the university in initiatives that can support the University.

What have we done so far?

We hosted ‘Inclusive Research Futures’, an internal event showcasing research connected to EDI, ranging from tools to support neurodiverse students and colleagues, to legal cases regarding the treatment of migrants. We have also recently introduced the ‘Inclusive Research Culture Fund,’ supporting activities that strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging within the University's research and innovation community.

What’s next?

The Inclusive Research Culture Fund is open for applications, and we look forward to supporting successful submissions. We are also planning a pair of events to mark International Women's Day 2027: an internal event including talks and workshops building on the 2026 Inclusive Research Futures event, and a public-facing event to showcase our gender-related research to members of the local community.

We are also developing an Inclusive Research Training e-learning module to help researchers embed EDI considerations throughout the research process, including research design, participant recruitment, accessibility and ethical practice.

In addition, we are establishing a Researcher Safeguarding and Trauma-Informed Research Working Group to share good practice in trauma-informed research and strengthen University policy, guidance and support for researchers facing research-related harms, including harassment, online threats and psychological harm.

How can you get involved?

Colleagues will be able to submit proposals for the International Women’s Day public lecture here, and submissions for the internal Inclusive Research Futures event will open in late November. All are also welcome to participate as an attendee. We encourage attendees to share their learning and continue conversations with colleagues across the University.

You can also apply to the Inclusive Research Culture Fund with ideas for activities that support equity, diversity, inclusion and/or belonging within the University's research community.

We are currently welcoming expressions of interest in joining the Researcher Safeguarding and Trauma-Informed Research Working Group, particularly from colleagues with relevant experience or expertise in research ethics, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice or researcher wellbeing.
For further information, to express an interest in the Working Group, or to discuss ideas for inclusive research culture activities, please contact the Pillar Lead, Dr Karen Middleton.
 

Lead: Professor Simon Kolstoe

What’s it about?

What makes research, research? This pillar focuses on what makes research a robust and reliable source of knowledge. Working in step with best practice shared by regulators, funders and academic bodies, the pillar encourages responsible research practices and helps researchers access advice, guidance and training.

What have we done so far?

The pillar runs twenty plus training sessions alongside online modules, helping academics at all career stages, from across the University, understand what research integrity and ethics means for them. We organise, and take part in, national and international events and training both to ensure our university follows the latest ideas, but also contributes to wider debates in this rapidly evolving area. The pillar oversees the six University faculty ethics committees reviewing 500+ research projects every year, and provides expertise when concerns are raised relating to university research. We offer an external ethics review service to companies and others who do not immediately have access to ethics committees through their own organisations.

What’s next?

We continue to evolve our processes and training, especially building collaborations with other universities, academic bodies (such as the UK research integrity office), funders (e.g. NIHR) and internationally. One particularly hot topic at the moment is the challenges of using AI in a responsible and accountable way.

How can you get involved?

You can discuss any ideas with the pillar lead, Professor Simon Kolstoe: [email protected].
 

Lead: Dr Philip Soar

What’s it about?

The Environmental Sustainability pillar aims to embed environmental responsibility throughout the research lifecycle, helping colleagues reduce the environmental impact of their work through practical changes to how research is designed, conducted and supported.

What have we done so far?

The University is now a signatory to the Concordat for the Environmental Sustainability of Research and Innovation Practice, which provides a shared framework for embedding environmental responsibility in research leadership, infrastructure and everyday practice. The pillar will help translate these commitments into practical action across the research lifecycle.

We have completed the first Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) audit of the fifth-floor St Michael’s laboratories, with our first accreditation expected shortly. LEAF helps laboratory teams reduce their environmental impact through practical changes to everyday working practices, covering areas such as energy use, water, waste, equipment management and procurement.

Find out more about LEAF and how laboratories can work more sustainably.

What’s next?

Our priority is to build on the initial LEAF audit and expand the approach across our research laboratories. We aim to establish Bronze accreditation as a baseline of good practice, with higher levels of accreditation pursued in priority areas.

A key priority is to embed environmental sustainability at every stage of the research lifecycle, starting with the design of a project. By considering environmental impacts early, researchers can identify opportunities to reduce them when making decisions about research methods, equipment and materials, travel, resource use and how they share their findings.

We are exploring how best to support this through research-specific training and practical guidance. We hope to work with colleagues through future workshops to understand the challenges they face, share ideas and develop approaches that are relevant to different disciplines and forms of research.

How can you get involved?

Whether you are a desk-based researcher, a field scientist or work in a laboratory, we encourage you to consider what small changes you could make to help ensure that it is conducted as sustainably as possible.

We would particularly like to hear from colleagues who would like to share examples of good practice, contribute ideas for training and resources, or help shape the next steps for the pillar. If you have suggestions or would simply like to find out more, please get in touch ([email protected]).
 

Lead: Suzi Edwards

What’s it about?

Building stronger relationships within and beyond the University, including with businesses, community groups and the public sector.

What have we done so far?

So far, we’ve developed Business Connect as an entryway for any businesses looking to connect with the University and our researchers, and a ‘Research and Innovation Engagement Strategy and Implementation Plan’ setting out a coordinated, practical approach to strengthening how we share and apply our research. We also hosted ‘Making Research Matter’, a hybrid event bringing together external experts with University of Portsmouth researchers and research enablers for interactive workshops and the opportunity to share expertise and ideas. Highlights of this event included insights into the national landscape around public perceptions of research, engaging inputs from University of Portsmouth colleagues on how they apply engagement strategies in their own research, and a workshop on storytelling as a tool for research and engagement.

What’s next?

We’ll be working on implementing the Research and Innovation Engagement strategy, which includes reviewing and updating Pure processes and guidance on recording engagement activity, to facilitate data capture without introducing new systems.

We are also working to build staff skills and confidence in developing, sustaining and managing external partnerships and embedding skills within the University through our researcher development by co-creating and delivering a training and support offering.

How can you get involved?

You can discuss any ideas and how to get involved with the pillar lead, Suzi Edwards ([email protected]).