Event Details

This live panel discussion will explore the issues and challenges around research culture. Featuring a range of speakers from universities to funders, this session will involve both panel and open discussion. The aim of the event is to learn about different stakeholder perspectives, recent initiatives, and the role of Research Managers and Administrators (RMAs) in changing the research ecosystem.

Panel

• Ben Bleasdale, Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser, Wellcome Trust
• Dr Tanita Casci, Head of Research Policy at the University of Glasgow
• Dr Frances Downey, Head of Research Culture, UK Research and Innovation
• Tony Roche, Director, Emerald Publishing
• Kelly Vere, Programme Director (Technician’s Commitment), Science Council
• Jenny Sherrard, Head of Equality for the University and College Union
• Nicole Brown, Lecturer in Education and Academic Head of Learning and Teaching at UCL Institute of Education; Secretary of NADSN (National Association of Disabled Staff Networks)

Panel Chair: Hilary Noone – ARMA Research Culture Lead/Research Projects Officer, Newcastle University

The programme includes:

• a brief introduction to research culture
• brief presentations from panel members on what their organisations are doing to contribute to a better research culture and how ARMA members can help
• panel and open discussion

Panel Biographies

Ben Bleasdale
Ben is a Senior Policy and Advocacy Adviser at Wellcome. His role involves monitoring and influencing the factors which support good science – from Government investment, to research culture. He is part of the cross-Wellcome team behind the #ReimagineResearch initiative, which commits Wellcome to using its role as a funder to improve the working culture of research.

Tanita Casci
Tanita is the Head of Research Policy at the University of Glasgow. She develops institutional policies and projects that support research staff and students to succeed, which includes aligning activities to promote a positive culture.

France Downey

Dr Frances Downey is the Head of Research Culture at UK Research and Innovation. Previous to this she led the Research Culture programme at the Royal Society, developing Integrity in Practice and also the Resume for Researchers, culminating in the Society’s landmark conference on research culture in October 2018; Changing Expectations. Frances has also worked at the Royal Academy of Engineers, BEIS, DECC and Sense About Science. She is the co-founder of www.MetisTalk.com, a platform to share, discuss and challenge ideas around research culture.

Kelly Vere
Kelly is the Programme Director of the Technician Commitment (based at the Science Council), Director of Technical Skills & Strategy at the University of Nottingham and PI on the Research England funded TALENT programme with Midlands Innovation. She is passionate about ensuring recognition and opportunity for the technical community.

Tony Roche

Tony leads Emerald’s commissioning teams, working with the research community to publish impactful research from over 180 countries around the world.  His strategic partnership brief entails co-creation of services, currently focused on impact literacy, open research and open innovation.  Tony also represents Emerald in the public affairs sphere, serving on the principal pan-industry public affairs committee.

Jenny Sherrard

Jenny Sherrard is the Head of Equality for the University and College Union, having previously worked for several years in the union’s public affairs team. Prior to UCU, she worked in local government communications and for a charity promoting adult education.

Nicole Brown

Dr Nicole Brown is a Lecturer in Education and Academic Head of Learning and Teaching at UCL Institute of Education and Director of Social Research & Practice and Education Ltd. Nicole is secretary of NADSN, the National Association of Disabled Staff Networks. Nicole’s research interests relate to physical and material representations and metaphors, the generation of knowledge, and more generally, research methods and approaches to explore identity and body work, as well as to advance learning and teaching within higher education.