News & Blogs
RA Voices and Vision - Workshop on Research Culture, Leadership and Change
Sign Up, by 10th July: https://forms.office.com/e/kKMCebX0Fa
Although Research Assistants and Associates (RAs) are central contributors to nearly all funded research work across the university, our perspectives are often overlooked by institutional leaders and policy makers. The temporary nature of our positions, our precarious status on short-term contracts, and uncertain career pathways marginalise RAs within the institution, even while we drive so much of the research work at Newcastle University forward.
This workshop invites present and recent RAs to come together to reflect on our experiences, explore what could be improved, and imagine more empowering and inclusive research environments. The session will culminate with suggestions for some ‘metrics from below’, to propose an alternative evidence for units to assess how equitably and supportive their structures are.
The workshop will end with a provided lunch and open discussion. To facilitate a candid and critical conversation, we are prioritising current and recent RA experience during the workshop, but we welcome colleagues in any role who are committed to improving the RA experience at Newcastle to get in touch and join the group for lunch.
This event is part of Reimagining Leadership, a Wellcome Trust-funded that seeks to transform research culture by rethinking how leadership functions in universities. The project aims to support more inclusive practices by empowering colleagues in all positions to speak up, be heard, and gain recognition for their diverse contributions.
In the workshop, we will discuss individual experiences of research culture, academic hierarchy, and employment conditions to help inform a collective perspective on what changes could help positively shape the university of the future. Our project uses a Participatory Action Research methodology, and if there is interest from the group in taking forward some of the ideas, we would be very open to exploring this. In this session, we’ll explore what meaningful evaluation looks like from below – proposing alternative measures of psychological safety, leadership and empowerment from the RA perspective.
The People, Environment and Culture (PCE) element of the REF is currently in a pilot phase. It is expected to account for up to 25% of the REF submission in the next cycle—significantly shaping how universities define and measure research culture. Like it or not, these metrics influence institutional priorities.
Aims of the Workshop:
- Create a space for both critical reflection and constructive dialogue about research and employment conditions.
- Professional Development and Leadership Skills in co-creation of research culture and policy engagement, while building networks across disciplines.
- Contribute to REF and policy discussions at Newcastle University and the broader sector.
- Connect with others interested in improving research culture.
- Build a community of RAs interested in organizing for change.
- Contribute ideas and materials to upcoming public exhibitions, publications, and communications to university community and broader sector.
Preparation and accessibility
We will be sharing full accessibility details here shortly. Before the event, all participants will receive a document outlining what to expect on the day, including and preparation or materials needed.
Please Note: This is currently being planned as an in-person event only. However, if you’re interested in participating but cannot attend at this date, still please register and get in touch. We are exploring a dedicated online version depending on interest and will be happy to also discuss themes and concerns individually.
Conveners:
Sign Up, by 10th July: https://forms.office.com/e/kKMCebX0Fa
For any questions please write to will.thomson@newcastle.ac.uk
Last modified: Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:37:39 BST