RPF News
The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project has recently been featured on the Research Adjacent podcast, offering a valuable opportunity to share the vision and ambitions of the programme with a wider audience.
In Episode 95, 鈥淲e are all here for the research鈥�, host Sarah is joined by members of the RPF leadership team: Lorna Wilson (Durham University), Steph Bales (Teesside University), Isabella von Holstein (King鈥檚 College London), and Rika Nair (University of 桃色视频).
The conversation explores the motivation behind the project and the challenges facing the research professional workforce across the UK. A key theme is the need to better understand, recognise and support the diverse roles that enable research to thrive. The discussion also highlights the importance of building a clearer evidence base, including the role of data in capturing the scale and contribution of research professionals.
The episode looks ahead to the project鈥檚 ambitions, particularly its role in catalysing change and helping to realise the full potential of the research professional community. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the initiative, contribute their perspectives, and help shape a more inclusive and supported future for the profession.
This podcast appearance is part of RPF鈥檚 wider commitment to engaging the sector in conversation, raising awareness, and ensuring that diverse voices are reflected in the development of the project.
You can listen to the full episode here:
Research Professional Futures Engages Research Administrators at Cardiff University
Research Professional Futures (RPF) was delighted to join colleagues at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd for the Research Administrators Forum, bringing together research professionals from across the institution for a highly engaging and interactive session.
Dr Rika Nair attended, and Dr Katie Reynolds, on behalf of the RPF project, shared insights into the development of the initiative and its progress to date. The session provided a valuable opportunity not only to introduce the aims of RPF, but also to listen directly to the experiences, priorities and challenges shaping research culture across the sector.
A key focus of the session was engagement and dialogue. Participants contributed their perspectives on emerging definitions and messages being developed through the project, helping to test and refine thinking in real time. Discussions highlighted the diversity and complexity of research professional roles, including those that can be more difficult to categorise, such as cross-cutting REF-enabling functions and public and patient involvement professionals.
The event also marked the launch of a new RPF engagement series, 鈥淩PF: Exploring What Matters鈥�. This series is designed to spark meaningful conversations around the issues most important to the research professional community, and to ensure that a wide range of voices inform the future direction of the project.
The team was encouraged by the strong level of participation and the openness with which attendees shared their insights. These contributions are vital in shaping a more inclusive and representative understanding of research professional roles and career pathways.
RPF would like to extend sincere thanks to Vanessa Cuthill (Plain), Tina Woods, Andrew Emery, Ruth, and the Research Administrators Forum leads for their invitation and support in making the session possible.
We look forward to continuing the conversation with Cardiff colleagues and beyond, and to building on this collaboration as the project progresses.
RPF Programme Board holds inaugural meeting in Darlington
On the 15th of April, the Research Professional Futures (RPF) Programme Board convened for its inaugural meeting in Darlington, bringing members together for the first time with co-leads Lorna Wilson and Steph Bales.
The meeting provided an opportunity to introduce the RPF programme and share progress from its first quarter. Board members responded positively, expressing strong enthusiasm for the programme and a shared commitment to acting as RPF allies. A number of valuable recommendations were also offered and are now being taken forward.
The Programme Board membership (in addition to the RPF team) includes senior leaders from across the sector:
- Professor Stephen Cummings, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge, Teesside University
- Professor Colin Bain, Professor of Chemistry, Durham University
- Fleur Hughes, PRISMS Manager, University of York
- Professor David Leadley, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, University of 桃色视频
- Jenny Taylor, Executive Director of Research & Innovation Services, Northumbria University
- Dr Bryony Wakefield, Executive Director of Research Management & Innovation, King鈥檚 College London
Launch of RPF National Commission
The first in-person National Commission meeting took place on 19th March at the University of Leeds, chaired by Shearer West (Vice Chancellor), where the commission was officially formed. The National Commission will act as a critical friend to the Research Professional Futures (RPF) project, representing the sector in contributing to recommendations for change.
The event began with roundtable introductions of the members present, who all bring varying and valuable expertise. There was real excitement for the RPF project and a great energy in the room about what could be achieved by the project. The presentations began with the RPF leadership team (Steph Bales, Rika Nair, Isabella von Holstein and Lorna Wilson) giving an overview of the project, what it will achieve, and their personal stories of why this project is so important. The delivery partners from Research Consulting and the University of Oxford then gave presentations on the progress of data collection and the plans for the next stage of surveys and interviews. Finally, members took part in a feedback session where they gave valuable views and feedback which will feed into the project.
The National Commission will meet twice a year throughout the project
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