Journal of Research Management and Administration

Research impact training and development support for doctoral students

2023-02-06T13:04:14+00:00

This research-in-progress case study in one UK university setting looks at how supportive PhD supervisors are of impact work, what motivates PhD students to access impact support and whether there are barriers to PhD students from carrying out impact plans and what those barriers are.

A mixed-method approach was used to collect quantitative data on student participation in impact training and qualitative data on their thoughts on impact work, supervisory support and motivators and barriers for doing impact work.

Clinical science students found it easier to understand the direct impacts of their work compared to life science students. Over time, students developed a better understanding of the potential impacts of their work. The majority of students discussed their impact with their supervisors but did not discuss time, budget or monitoring plans for impact activities. The majority of students talked about a lack of supervisor support for impact work and a need for better supervisor training. Students identified motivators and barriers for doing impact work.

The study suggests that there is a gap in training and support for doctoral students to develop the societal impact of their research. Impact work helps students to develop skills and experience valued by employers. However, PhD students may not receive impact training as part of their degrees. Supervisors may be unsupportive of PhD students doing impact work because it may distract from core research activities. Based on the study findings, the author has made recommendations for addressing this gap.

Policy Making in a Research Organization

2023-06-26T14:37:19+00:00

What is new?	This paper provides research administrators and others with a guide to the stages of the policy lifecycle, to enable them to effectively participate in policy making at their respective institution.
What was the approach?	The paper emphasizes the common scenario where administrators, irrespective of prior policy-making experience, find themselves engaged in policy development due to their operational roles. It highlights the challenges they face and the need for training in policy development, analysis, and implementation, thus providing research administrators with a comprehensive guide to navigating the stages of the policy lifecycle.
What is the academic impact?	The academic impact lies in filling a knowledge gap for research administrators, offering them insights into the intricacies of policy development within research organizations. By addressing the challenges and providing a structured approach to policy lifecycle stages, the paper contributes to enhancing the professional capabilities of research administrators. The emphasis is on alignment with institutional mission, stakeholder analysis, and best practices, and adds academic value by fostering a broader understanding of policy making in the research administration field.
What is the wider impact?	The wider impact of the paper extends to the improvement of policy-making practices within research organizations globally. By equipping research administrators with the necessary knowledge and tools, the paper aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of policy implementation. This has broader implications for organizational efficiency, stakeholder collaboration, and the successful alignment of policies with institutional goals. The emphasis on ongoing communication and a cultural shift towards best practices contributes to a positive and lasting impact on the broader research administration community.

The National Research and Innovation System in the United Kingdom: A Brief History

2023-11-06T08:52:01+00:00

What is new?	This paper provides a walk through key elements and decisions in recent UK research and innovation policy, up to September 2023.
What was the approach?	The paper uses the relevant policy documents of the period, and draws on the author’s lived experience.
What is the academic impact?	The paper provides a context for other studies of Research Management and Administration, enabling other researchers to connect to relevant parts of policy development.
What is the wider impact?	The paper provides research management practitioners with the context in which policies are developed, and the interconnections that will influence future policies. It is a form of practitioner’s literature survey, albeit not comprehensive.