First Institutional Research Culture Community Gathering: A Step Towards Collaborative Change

This event aimed to develop collaboration and networking between research teams across the country, which represents a significant milestone in addressing and sharing the challenges of research culture.

Morning Session: Lightning Talks and Breakout Spaces

The day began with introductions and networking sessions. Following this, participants could choose from three themed hybrid breakout spaces. In these spaces, up to seven teams presented "one challenge, one hope, one how" related to their research culture work. This format allowed for a focused and meaningful exchange of ideas and experiences.

To facilitate engagement, the IFRC Team shared a digital pin-board (Padlet) where participants could view submitted talk titles and slides. After each presentation, attendees could share comments and reactions verbally (via Zoom or in-person) and through the Menti polling tool. The digital pin-board remained open for additional comments and questions, ensuring continuous dialogue.

Key questions that guided these discussions included:

• What were you most delighted to see emerging from these overviews from our teams?
• How might the community best support these teams and their ambitions?

Afternoon Session: Focused Discussions and Action Planning

In the afternoon, participants chose discussion groups, each consisting of up to five members from different teams. A provided template helped shape these discussions, beginning with identifying the key question each group wanted to address. This collaborative effort aimed at exploring actions that could drive momentum towards positive change in research culture.

The ideas generated during these sessions were captured on either a paper template (for those in the room) or a Google Doc (for those on Zoom). Post-event, all ideas were made available on the digital pin-board, allowing participants to review and build on each other's contributions.

Key Challenges for the University of Dundee

As a participant in the event, the University of Dundee highlighted several key research culture challenges, including:

• Empowerment of Researchers: Many researchers feel disempowered and unheard, with a lack of recognition for their contributions. Ineffective communication and disconnected leadership exacerbate these feelings of alienation.
• Career Progression and Retention: Barriers to career progression, particularly for underrepresented groups and primary caregivers, have led to increased anxieties about academic careers. The low success rate of grant applications and the challenge of balancing teaching, research, and administrative commitments further contribute to retention issues.
• Decision Making: Emphasising a bottom-up approach, Dundee aims to empower grassroots communities through participatory decision-making processes. Standard project management methodologies and stakeholder matrices will ensure support across the organisation.
• Evaluation: The evaluation approach will be participatory, involving an advisory group reflective of the wider community. Both quantitative and qualitative methods will be used to assess the impact of activities, with ongoing critical reflection.

Tools for Ongoing Engagement

The event featured a digital pin-board (Padlet) to help navigate the day's activities.

The Wellcome Trust prepared a Team Guide that consolidates information on team-level interests, key research culture challenges, approaches, and contact details. 

The online Focus Group worked together on a Google Doc each developing three insights from the discussion.

Online engagement with Sandra Oza on the University of Dundee's IFRC Projects.

The event saw an enthusiastic turnout with both in-person and online participants from Dundee. Those attending in person included Lisanne Gibson, Louise Stanley, Lorraine van Blerk, and Sandra Oza. Online attendees included Celeste Ferguson, Marsha Marlett, Stephanie Petschick, and Mhairi Towler.

The gathering, organised by The Wellcome Trust's IFRC Team, was a testament to our collective commitment to improving research culture. By sharing challenges, hopes, and strategies, participants took meaningful steps towards a more inclusive and supportive research environment. As we move forward, the continued support and collaboration within our community will be crucial in driving the changes we aspire to achieve.