We aim to create a supportive environment in which researchers thrive, working closely with doctoral candidates within a cohesive organisational structure. Following REF 2014 we created four research and teaching groups (RTGs) which lead academic work in key knowledge domains.
These are groups of research and teaching staff, reflecting synergies between these dual responsibilities. As well as crucibles for teaching they are collegial, collaborative forums for incubating research ideas, for peer review and validation, and for celebrating achievements. They also house research centres and networks with distinctive concentrations. Each RTG has a lead academic and dedicated administrative support.
The School employs four specialist laboratory and computing technicians and a communications officer to manage web development and social media. And all externally-funded projects have embedded project administration support.
Since 2014 we’ve seen an increase in grant income with research-spend up 98% from £4.31mn to £8.54mn in 2021.
We are also attracting more doctoral candidates; up from 107 in 2014 to 263 in 2021 with international doctoral students up from 50 to 156. We value doctoral candidates’ differences as a resource and an asset; we have high expectations for their achievements, and privilege collaboration and teamwork. As a result, doctoral awards have risen from 55 in 2014 to 152 in 2021.
Early career researchers are involved as co-investigators on large grants. Each person undertaking the University’s early career development programme has an experienced mentor who provides independent advice on career progression and continuing professional development opportunities and courses. Six ECRs appointed in 2021 have completed the programme; five have already achieved promotion.
We also provide other innovative and informal modes of support, for example, a blogging club, a book club and research walks in the park.
As we achieved, alongside five other universities in the UK, the maximum score of 100% ‘world leading’ in the assessment of our research environment in REF2021, we are confident that we have been successful in achieving our aim of creating a supportive place where researchers can thrive.
