Our research culture

Research culture is the environment in which research happens. It is shaped by our values, behaviours, leadership, policies, systems, and ways of working. A positive research culture enables people to thrive, supports high-quality research, and helps ensure that everyone can contribute fully to our research community.

At the University of Leicester, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and sustainable research environment where excellent research and positive research cultures go hand in hand.

Our approach

Our approach to research culture recognises that creating lasting change requires more than individual initiatives. Research culture is influenced by leadership, governance, career development, recognition and reward, working practices, community, and the wider institutional environment.

Through continuous engagement with our research community, we work to understand the experiences of researchers and research-enabling colleagues, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop practical solutions that support a positive research environment for all.

Our Responsible Research Culture Framework provides a shared understanding of the principles that underpin research culture at Leicester. It brings together our values and ambitions for creating an environment in which people and research can flourish.

The framework supports ongoing conversations about research culture across the University and helps guide the development of policies, practices, and initiatives that contribute to a positive and enabling research environment.

Putting research culture into practice

Research culture is embedded across a wide range of institutional activity.

Evidence-informed improvement

We are committed to understanding the experiences of our research community and using evidence to inform decision-making. Through consultation, engagement, evaluation, and research culture initiatives, we seek to identify both strengths and areas for development, ensuring that action is grounded in the experiences of those who work and study here.

Collaboration and shared leadership

Positive research cultures are created collectively. We support approaches that bring together researchers, professional services colleagues, technical staff, research leaders, and students to share perspectives, shape priorities, and contribute to institutional development.

People and communities

We aim to create an environment where people feel valued, connected, and supported throughout their careers. This includes opportunities for professional development, networking, mentoring, collaboration, and engagement in the wider research community.

Leadership and governance

Research culture is an important component of our strategic approach to research. Responsibility for oversight of research culture sits with the University’s Research and Enterprise Committee, and we continue to strengthen its role within institutional planning, decision-making, and governance to support long-term and sustainable improvement.

Find out more

We welcome conversations about research culture and opportunities to collaborate, share learning, and develop new approaches to enhancing the research environment.

For further information, please contact: [email protected]
For University of Leicester colleagues: Additional information, resources, and updates are available on the Research Culture Hub.