Research Culture Survey Report 2022

This report highlights findings from the University’s first institutional Research Culture Survey (April 2022). It includes an overview of the approach and methods used (including their strengths and weaknesses), along with quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data at institutional level. The accompanying discussion document provides our interpretation of the data. Well over 800 responses were received to an open call to fill in the survey. Whilst this provides key insights into our research culture, it is important to note that the responses received will not have captured everyone’s views, especially given that people’s experiences vary across the organisation.
The aim of the survey was to understand how research culture is viewed at Newcastle University. The findings capture perceptions and experiences of research culture at the University across a diverse cross-section of our community who are involved in enabling and delivering research and research-led education. Respondents were from different disciplines, career stages, backgrounds and roles, including Postgraduate Research students, Academic and Professional Services colleagues. The insights provided by respondents have illuminated some of the challenges we face as a community and importantly, where we can improve.
It is clear from many other surveys and reports from across the sector that there is a range of outstanding and pressing issues facing UK research culture (Wellcome Trust: What researchers think about the culture they work in (2020), ARMA Research Culture Survey (2020), Postgraduate Research Student Survey (PRES 2020), The Royal Society: The research and technical workforce in the UK (2021), Research culture: A Technician Lens (2022)). The survey aimed to find out if and how these issues play out in our own institutional context, to tackle them as effectively as possible. Since we asked people to comment and suggest ideas for change, it’s not surprising that we received a lot of negative comments and heard about various areas where people would like to see improvements. These chime loudly with results from across the sector, as well as other feedback we have received through iterative consultation. We have heard these messages and want to improve. We also want to build on the positive reflections we received, and work with our community to develop their ideas for change.
The findings in this report, along with the many invaluable ‘practical steps’ provided by the respondents, have been used in the creation of our Research Culture Action Plan; the initial framework toward improving Newcastle University’s research culture for students and colleagues. The insights and challenges recorded in this survey will continue to inform actions, and we will continue the dialogue and remain open to the essential feedback from our research community.