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

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

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

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

Take part in the Academic Research Survey (CEDARS)

We want know more about your experiences of the current research environment that you work in, by inviting you to complete the Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research Survey (CEDARS). Lancaster is running CEDARS as part of our actions in implementing the Principles of the revised Researcher Development Concordat and the survey will provide … Continue reading Take part in the Academic Research Survey (CEDARS)