Welcome to Lancaster University's RSA WordPress site. Below you'll find the latest news from the RSA. On this site, you can also find out who we are and what we do.
Easter Event – All for teaching and teaching for all!
The last RSA event focused on the topic of teaching and highlighted very mixed opinions and diverse experiences. For some researchers, the opportunities are scarce or non-existent, and for others, the opportunities are less opportunities and more an obligation. Gaining teaching experience is essential for those working towards becoming a lecturer. However, for researchers not … Continue reading Easter Event – All for teaching and teaching for all!
RSA vacancy
We're hiring!! Well, not really, we're all volunteers, but we do now have a couple of vacant spots open on the RSA Executive Committee. If you're employed primarily as a research member of staff at Lancaster University and: Passionately care about research staff well-being and development, Have an interest in shaping institutional policy, particularly around … Continue reading RSA vacancy
RSA Statement on Teaching by Researchers
The issue of research staff undertaking teaching activities has become a hot-topic recently, with the news that one department at Lancaster is now requiring its research staff to undertake teaching activities. Below is a statement by the RSA on teaching by researchers in general. The RSA's view on this: Teaching activities may be beneficial to … Continue reading RSA Statement on Teaching by Researchers
Researcher Invite: Researcher Concordat at Lancaster
Dear colleagues, As researchers or managers of researchers, you will be aware that the University is a signatory of the New Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. (Researcher Development Concordat) The Concordat sets out three clear Principles: environment and culture employment professional and career development These themes are highlighted through various … Continue reading Researcher Invite: Researcher Concordat at Lancaster
What’s in a name? Postdoc or research staff?
According to good-old Wikipedia “A postdoc is a temporary position that allows a PhD to continue their training as a researcher and gain skills and experience that will prepare them for their academic career”, with the term also referring to the individual holding that position. There are several issues with this, which may vary across disciplines and … Continue reading What’s in a name? Postdoc or research staff?
Furlough for UKRI researchers – an update
A few emails have gone around the University today saying that "University is now asking to furlough all PDRA’s that are eligible" including UKRI-funded researchers. To clarify on this: By eligible the University means that you meet all of the following criteria: You cannot carry out your work - either for practical reasons (e.g. you … Continue reading Furlough for UKRI researchers – an update
Have your say! UKRI survey on COVID-19 impact.
Dear Colleague Impact of Covid-19 on researchers and the UK research base You are invited to participate in an online survey to share your experiences of how the Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ since 23 March is impacting on your research, and the likely impact if social distancing in the workplace is required in the months ahead. The … Continue reading Have your say! UKRI survey on COVID-19 impact.
An update on Fixed-term contract policy implementation
After getting a couple of questions around the implementation of the University's new fixed-term contract policy, the RSA got in touch with HR to find out how it was progressing. The RSA were not invited to directly input in the development of this policy nor are we directly involved with its implementation. Like you, we'd … Continue reading An update on Fixed-term contract policy implementation
Updates to Redeployment Process
From an email to line managers at Lancaster sent on 18th May 2020: The University redeployment policy is in place to support staff to find alternative employment at the University when they are at risk of redundancy. This is in line with our normal process in the ending of fixed term and indefinite contracts. However, … Continue reading Updates to Redeployment Process
COVID-19 update
Last week, the RSA met with Professor Louise Heathwaite (Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Enterprise), Paul Boustead (Director HR) and Yvonne Fox (Associate Director Research Enterprise Services) about the current situation for researchers. We spoke about three main topics that are particularly affecting researchers: furlough, redeployment and bridging funding. Whilst the situation continues to … Continue reading COVID-19 update