What is Research Culture?

Research culture describes the values, behaviours, and systems that shape how research is conducted, supported, and communicated.
A healthy research culture promotes openness, fairness, inclusion, and integrity.

🔗  What is Research culture? YouTube video

How research is managed and undertaken

Focuses on responsible research practices, governance, and sustainability. It includes transparent methods, research integrity, and effective leadership.

   🔗 UKRI Concordat for Researcher Development

   🔗 Royal Society: Research Culture

   🔗 R&D People & Culture Strategy

How people are supported

 Explores working conditions, development opportunities, and recognition. It highlights inclusive environments and reward systems.

🔗Research Culture Institutional Action Plan

🔗Professional Services Recognition Scheme

🔗Russell Group: Realising Our Potential

How individuals engage with others

Emphasises collaboration, inclusive leadership, and empowering junior researchers. Good research culture values kindness, mutual respect, and honest communication.

🔗 10 Simple Rules for a Supportive Lab (Pike et al.)

🔗 Essay: Being Kind (Bernhardt)

🔗 Essay: Four Things About Research Culture (Gadd)

How research ensures value

Focuses on recognising contributions, ensuring research openness and impact. Encourages diverse outputs and transparent assessment.

🔗 DORA: Declaration on Research Assessment

🔗 REF Guidance on Research Culture

🔗 Blog: My Research Culture is Better Than Yours

What’s next

We, the Research Culture Working Group at the CBU, are regularly involved in events and seminars, such as at WLTS on 19 November 2025.

📅 Check our upcoming event: November 19th – WLTS seminar 

📚 For more updated resources, check our list.

📬 For more information and other inquiries, feel free to contact: saskia.frisby@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk 
or estherina.trachtenberg@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk.