By Marcus Munafò
Marcus is Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research Culture at the University of Bristol. He leads on research culture activity across the university, providing direction and vision, working across the institutional landscape, and identifying key challenges and opportunities. He is also institutional lead for the UK Reproducibility Network.
For the last two years we have asked colleagues to provide us with suggestions on how we can improve research culture, through a “dropbox” – an online form where any comment, large or small, can be submitted (anonymously, if preferred). Since our internal review of research bureaucracy, we have also had a second dropbox focused on issues of research bureaucracy. These have fundamentally been an exercise in listening, and in providing better connectivity between different parts of our institution.
The comments we have received have highlighted challenges and frustrations related to research support, university bureaucracy, and resource allocation. The issues raised include practical challenges (research support staffing, HR processes, research infrastructure) as well as cultural challenges (leadership, recognition of technical staff). Of course, the nature of the dropboxes means that we are more likely to receive negative comments than positive ones. But this is important. We cannot improve if we shy away from these challenges.
One difficulty is that, understandably, those who submit comments want to know what is being done to address the issues they have raised. Where a name was provided, we have tried to respond – in many cases connecting the person with someone able to discuss the issue they raised (and perhaps help solve it, although that isn’t always possible). But we do read all the comments. They are discussed at Research Culture Committee and, where appropriate, picked up by the appropriate person and explored further.
Change can be slow, but having a better understanding of the reality on the ground, and the challenges being faced, ultimately helps foster better situational awareness and a culture of continual improvement. We are keen to maintain this. However, in order to simplify the process we have now reverted to a single suggestions dropbox. The hope is that we will continue to receive concerns and complaints but also, where possible, potential solutions. Often those directly affected by an issue are best placed to suggest a solution.
Our culture programme (and my role) is approaching the end of its third year. I think we have made progress – we have supported a range of exciting projects, large and small, and launched our vision for 2030, together with a strategic plan for achieving this. But I have always believed that our research culture is, fundamentally, a reflection of ourselves. It is not something imposed on us, but created by us. That includes being able to offer (and hear) constructive challenge. Please keep the comments coming! Get in touch.