Our approach evolved during delivery in response to evidence gathered through the programme's co-produced evaluation framework, the findings of the Research Culture mapping exercise, and project-specific surveys and ongoing stakeholder engagement.

Enabling researcher career development and alternative career exploration

The research community in NI universities possesses high level talent of great value. We aim to dispel the perception that opportunities for career development and advancement are limited by:

• Appointment of a new Research Careers and Employability Officer (at Queen’s, working with UU)

• Aligning with economic priorities and bridge connections with non-academic sectors

• Support and optimise research talent by providing high-quality advisory services

• Enhancing opportunities for research talent through the delivery of career events and employability development programmes

Visit postdoc career support for more information.

Jill was recruited to support postdoctoral researchers explore career opportunities beyond academia, providing guidance on job applications, interview preparation, and career planning.  She also leads initiatives to better prepare postdocs for future career transitions through a range of training and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen transferable skills and enhance employability. 

Jill engages with employers across Northern Ireland, both established recruiters of postdocs and organisations new to the conversation to promote the exceptional postdoctoral talent available across Northern Ireland’s two universities.

Strengthening capacity and networks for research professionals

Aspirations for innovation-led economic growth in NI requires highly-skilled professionals across a range of generalist and specialist functions in HEIs/RPOs. These individuals exist across the R&I ecosystem in NI, however, they are disconnected from each other and broader national/international networks. To address this, we will:

• Establish and evolve ‘NI Research Professionals Network’

• Deliver two events per year to bring together research managers and administrators

• Represent NI in wider development of RMA as a profession

Visit NIRPN for more information and to join the network.

Enabling excellence in ‘Practice as Research’ in NI

Research culture discussions at both universities have identified specific challenges in the area of Practice as Research (or ‘PaR’) which is linked to importance of creative industries for the NI economy. To overcome this, we will:

• Develop a framework to ensure PaR is supported, integrated and nurtured

• Deliver facilitated thematic workshops between Queen’s and Ulster

Visit Practice Research for more information and to join the network.