Research Culture Essentials for RMAs: What to Expect from the Workshop

Rika Nair provides more detail on what you can expect from the upcoming training workshop on Research Culture Essentials for RMAs.

As many research managers and administrators (RMAs) roles become increasingly complex, driven by a greater focus on research culture—such as People, Culture and Environment in REF2029, metascience, open research, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research teams, and equality, diversity and inclusion—we face new challenges, including changing workloads and responsibilities. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the broader research endeavour.

In response to these evolving demands, I’m thrilled to introduce the ‘Research Culture Essentials for RMAs’ workshop, launching for the second time this year. The workshop is designed to equip you with the insights and strategies you need to engage with research culture, helping you become a creator of positive change within your organisation.

Andrew and I are both active champions of research culture change within the ARMA Research and Innovation Culture Special Interest Group (SIG) and the Research Culture Enablers Network (RCEN) respectively. We are passionate about sharing best practices and driving transformation within the sector. We’ve previously collaborated, alongside colleagues from other institutions, at last year’s ARMA conference, where we delivered a creative and interactive session on Research Culture Islands, exploring innovative ways to explore and strategise research culture change. We’re excited to bring that same energy to this workshop, offering plenty of opportunities for you to learn and grow alongside your peers.

This workshop is suitable for RMAs at all stages of their careers, but will be especially relevant to those in early- and mid-career stages, or those looking to join research culture adjacent or focused roles for the first time.

Through a mix of expert-led presentations and interactive group activities, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to enhance your practice. To foster an environment of trust and peer learning, the workshop will be conducted under the Chatham House rule – everyone can use the information and insights they learn but cannot name individuals or institutions.

Places are now available, and we encourage you to book your spot to join us in exploring how RMAs not only fit into the changing research landscape but can actively shape it for the better, driving lasting, positive change.