Research Culture and Community

What is Research Culture?

The Royal Society defines Research Culture as:

“Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated.”

This video explains more about what is research culture, and why it is so important.

Research Culture at Ulster

In our Research Strategy 2023-28 we set out a vision where:

'We believe in equality in research, we celebrate diversity and we foster inclusion. We are advancing our national and international reputation for research excellence while simultaneously playing a leading role in the enrichment of the social, economic, and cultural life of Northern Ireland. We are a university of, and for, the world.'

A positive, supportive, inclusive Research Culture is the key to delivering that vision.

A positive and thriving research culture is one that is supportive, inclusive, and fosters a sense of safety, support, and celebration for all staff. It is an environment characterised by openness, collegiality, and a steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity.

In advancing this vision, and through our collaborative and co-designed approach, we have identified five key research culture strategic priority areas. These priorities will guide the focus of our action plans over the next four years. These research culture strategic priorities, align with our University’s values of Enhancing Potential, Collaboration, Inclusivity and Integrity and are underpinned by core principles of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Wellbeing, Creativity, Sustainability and Public Engagement.

Research Culture Strategic Priorities and Action Plan

Our Research Culture Strategic Priorities and Action Plan 2025-2029 sets out our research culture priorities for the next 4 years and our commitment to cultivating a thriving research culture and community.

These priorities include:

Collegiality and Collaboration
Career Development
Research Excellence, Integrity and Rigour
Research Recogntion
Open & Responsible Research

At Ulster University we recognise that research thrives when researchers feel that they are part of an engaging, fair, and collegial environment in which people help each other to succeed.

This reflects core values of the University, where we value not only research successes but also how these successes are achieved. We are deeply committed to developing both our research community and the environment in which they work

Research Culture Strategic Priorities and Action Plan