Research Professional Futures Project

What is the RPF Project?

The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project aims to reshape how research is delivered in the UK. It seeks to achieve this by focusing on Research Professionals (RPs), professional staff in a spectrum of increasingly specialised roles who are core but often underutilised contributors to research success. RPs work in roles which are not part of the academic or technical communities, bringing specialist professional expertise to research to ensure it is delivered in the most effective, robust and ethical way. The RPF project will co-create with the sector a strategic blueprint for both RPs and institutions to realise the full potential of this workforce, improve efficiency, and foster a more collaborative research culture.

RPF will be delivered through four interconnected work packages (WPs):

1. WP1: Context – Audit the current RP landscape and develop a shared sector vision.
2. WP2: Competencies – Create a sector-wide Professional Development Framework and recruitment toolkit.
3. WP3: Concepts – Pilot institutional and regional initiatives, including shared services and AI tools.
4. WP4: Culture – Co-create a strategic ‘RP Blueprint’ to embed sustainable change.

RPF’s vision is to transform the future of research and the RP community, mitigate the impact of financial constraints, increase efficiencies, and bridge cultural divides, while raising the visibility of RPs and their contributions to the research endeavour. It will achieve this by examining the sector’s current and future skills needs for RPs, exploring shared service models, investigating the potential of emerging technologies such as AI, and fostering a more inclusive research culture. Through these efforts, the RPF project will enable institutions to assess how RP resourcing should be structured to maximise investment. To pave the way for sector-wide implementation, the RPF project will develop pathways and pilot initiatives for institutions to adopt, underpinned by a strategic RP Blueprint offering clear recommendations and practical guidance for long-term change.

Collaboratively led by Teesside, Durham, Warwick, and Imperial College London, with delivery partners including Oxford, ARMA, the PRISM Network, and Research Consulting Ltd. Key Outputs will include; a National Commission report and recommendations; open-access digital platform with recruitment toolkits and an RP professional development framework; portfolio of pilot project evaluations and case studies, for national roll out; and a strategic RP Blueprint.

What will ARMA be responsible for?

ARMA is a core delivery partner and will:

• Lead and support the development of the sector-wide Professional Development Framework (PDF) for Research Professionals, including recruitment toolkits and digital resources.
• Host and maintain the open-access online platform that will house all major project outputs (datasets, frameworks, toolkits, case studies, and the ‘RP Blueprint’) for at least 10 years after the project ends.
• Provide staff time and expertise for project leadership, delivery, and dissemination activities, including oversight from ARMA’s CEO and Head of Programme, and dedicated support for the PDF and project delivery.
• Drive professionalisation and best practice sharing across the RP community, leveraging ARMA’s networks and events.
• Work closely with the PRISM Network and other partners to ensure broad representation and engagement across the RP spectrum.

What does this mean for ARMA members?

For ARMA members, the RPF project will:

• Increase visibility and recognition of the diverse roles and contributions of RPs, helping to improve career progression, job security, and mobility.
• Create new, sector-wide career development resources—including the Professional Development Framework and recruitment toolkit—accessible for free via the digital platform.
• Provide opportunities to shape the future of the profession by participating in consultations, surveys, focus groups, and pilot projects.
• Enable members to benchmark their skills and career pathways and access practical guidance for career planning and development.
• Foster a stronger, more inclusive community through events, a national community of practice, and sector-wide engagement campaigns.
• Support improved working cultures and greater parity for RPs within institutions, with a focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion.

How can ARMA members get involved?

Members can engage with the RPF project in several ways:

• Participate in national surveys, focus groups, interviews and workshops during the project’s research and consultation phases
• Contribute to the co-creation of the Professional Development Framework and recruitment toolkit.
• Join and lead pilot projects and community-building initiatives, including regional sandpits and shared service pilots.
• Engage with the digital platform—accessing resources, sharing feedback, and contributing case studies or testimonials.
• Attend relevant project events and conferences
• Support development and dissemination of culture change activities
• Become part of the national community of practice to network, share case studies, and help embed best practice across the sector.

Next steps

The project will officially begin in early 2026, further updates will be provided via ARMA’s newsletter, website and social media.