Research Culture

This is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support of researchers and research careers in the UK higher education.

View Concordat

The University of Suffolk is committed to public engagement and the dissemination of our research.

View Concordat

This concordat makes a clear statement about the responsibilities of Researchers, Employers and Funders of research in maintaining high standards in research.

View Concordat

We are a dynamic and vibrant community dedicated to fostering the growth, development, and collaboration of early career researchers across all Schools and Research Institutes. Our network provides an inclusive platform where emerging researchers can connect, share ideas, and explore opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you're a postdoctoral researcher, a PhD candidate, or someone just beginning their research journey, we invite you to join our community and become part of a supportive and engaging environment.

At the University of Suffolk, our objectives for supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) include:

• Fostering a supportive environment where ECRs can enhance their skills and expand their professional networks, empowering them to successfully compete in the job market.
• Responding to the needs and interests of ECRs, ensuring that these insights shape our activities and the opportunities we provide.
• Supporting the growth of individual ECRs by offering access to opportunities that may currently be beyond their reach.
• Promoting equality of opportunity for ECRs by encouraging diversity and inclusivity in all our initiatives.
• Expanding our support for ECRs in their career development through a range of initiatives, including skills-building programs, networking events, workshops, and other tailored opportunities.

Why Join Us?

• Network with researchers across a variety of disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that spark innovative ideas and drive innovative research projects.
• Knowledge Exchange and Skills Development: Broaden your expertise by exploring diverse research topics and methodologies. Our workshops and training development sessions are designed to equip you with key skills, from research communication to grant writing.
• Build Relationships: Engage with experienced mentors and fellow early career researchers, forming meaningful relationships that can guide and support you through the early stages of your career.
• Showcase Your Work: Take advantage of opportunities to present your research at internal and external events, participate in collaborative projects, and increase your visibility within the academic community.
• Join a community that amplifies the voices of early career researchers, advocating for your concerns and aspirations at an institutional level.

ECR Lunch Talk Events

Our ECR Lunch Talk series is a unique platform for early career researchers, including PhDs, to come together, share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives, while also gaining insights from their peers and more experienced researchers in the field. We aim to build a supportive community where ideas flourish, collaborations are born, and lasting connections are forged.

Why Attend?

• Meet Like-Minded Researchers: Connect with potential collaborators and build relationships.
• Share Your Work: Get feedback and learn from others.
• Gain Insights: Learn best practices from guest speakers from various fields.
• Join a Vibrant Community: Engage with researchers who support and inspire one another.

University of Suffolk Staff - For more information please visit the Hub intranet.

Joining our network

For any inquiries, please contact Andreea Tocca, Head of Research Culture, at a.tocca@uos.ac.uk. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community of early career researchers.

Researcher and Knowledge Development Programme 2024-2025

Embarking on a research and knowledge exchange journey requires dedication, curiosity, and a strong support network. Our development programme is designed to offer a platform that not only enhances research and knowledge exchange skills but also fosters collaboration, strengthens academic communication, and provides opportunities for professional growth.

Throughout the programme, researchers will:

• Engage with experienced researchers, gaining valuable insights from their experiences.
• Participate in workshops, seminars, and training sessions specifically designed to enhance research and knowledge exchange capabilities.
• Collaborate with peers, fostering interdisciplinary discussions and building a culture of shared knowledge.
• Grow as researchers, developing a deeper understanding of the ethical, practical, and innovative aspects of academia.

These workshops address the varied needs and challenges faced by academic professionals at different stages of their careers. They equip participants with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to navigate the ever-changing research and knowledge exchange landscape with confidence.

We encourage all staff to take full advantage of the resources, networks, and opportunities available through the Research and Knowledge Exchange Development Programme; actively engage, ask questions, seek guidance, and share your experiences. This journey is about both personal growth and enhancing the quality and impact of research at our university.

To learn more about the sessions, please view our event calendar (accessible to internal staff only).

Career development for researchers

University of Suffolk supports the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and our researcher development programme is based on the national Researcher Development Framework. The framework has been developed to provide the tools for individuals to map and plan their professional development as researchers. 

Find out more about professional development for researchers

How to Get Involved

• Sign Up: Register for the programme to receive updates on upcoming workshops, events, and resources.
• Attend Workshops: Internal students and staff can browse our event calendar and register for workshops that align with your interests and goals.
• Engage: Join discussions, network with peers, and take advantage of the various opportunities the programme provides.

Further support

If you have any questions about the Researcher and Knowledge Exchange Development Programme, or need to organise specific training that is not covered by our programme, please contact the Head of Research Culture, Andreea Tocca, at a.tocca@uos.ac.uk