Developing an Inclusive Research Culture through Improving Research Support Practices

Description

An inclusive research system is imperative if we are to provide a supportive environment for research to take place.

Through this project, we will expand on the findings of our previously funded Phase 1 project 'Improving Research Culture Through Addressing Inequality in Research Funding' by:

1) implementing interventions identified in Phase 1 to remove barriers and improve inclusivity in external research funding development activities

2) extending our focus beyond research funding development support to look at the wider research system.

In undertaking the above, we aim to align with REF2028 and the University of Leeds’ Research Culture Strategy objectives to:

1) Increase the variety of staff roles named as PI, Co-I and Researcher Co-I on funding applications

2) Increase the proportion of staff stating they have benefited from researcher development programmes, by career stage

3) Increase the diversity of research activities that are communicated and celebrated.

 

This work is supported by Research England under the Enhancing Research Culture funding stream. 

Publications and outputs

• “Insights from draft research funding applications: Common feedback and guidance for applicants and peer reviewers” – Dr Charlotte Stephenson and Gogo Anyanwu, Research and Innovation Blog, December 2025
• “Review of research communication practices” – Hannah Preston, Internal report used for senior leadership, research culture, and communication teams within the University, May 2025
• “How to raise your research profile and disseminate your work within and beyond academia” – Hannah Preston, internal guide for Leeds University Business School staff, December 2024