In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education research, developing strong research leadership is crucial for institutional success. We partnered with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) on a bespoke Research Leadership Development Programme, addressing the unique challenges faced by research leaders and managers in today's academic environment.
The challenge
Through CEDARS survey findings, NTU identified a critical gap: the need to support managers of researchers, particularly those who might not come from traditional research backgrounds themselves.
As Professor Richard Emes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and International at NTU, explains: "Research at NTU is a collaborative effort. Not only does it emerge from an increasingly interdisciplinary landscape, but it is enabled by a range of academics and professionals in supporting and managerial roles."
A collaborative solution
Working closely with leaders at NTU, Advance HE developed a bespoke Research Leadership Development Programme consisting of three key modules delivered over two intensive days. The programme was designed to build a community of research leaders and foster a culture of leadership across the institution.
The three modules focused on:
1. Collaborative research
This module emphasised building effective and diverse teams, with particular attention to authenticity, inclusivity and confidence in research collaboration. Participants explored team dynamics and networking strategies essential for modern research leadership.
2. Research teams and grant management
The second module tackled practical aspects of research leadership, including project management, funding strategies and the art of articulating research narratives. Through action learning sets, participants worked through real-world challenges in grant application leadership.
3. Organisation and culture
The final module delved into emotional intelligence, strategic planning and the crucial role of research culture. Leaders learned how to influence their organisational environment and prepare for sector-wide changes, including the upcoming REF2029.
Impact and outcomes
The programme's success is evident in the testimonials from key stakeholders. Professor Jo Richardson, Associate Dean Research at Nottingham Business School, noted: "Co-creating this programme with Advance HE led to action learning, during the two days, which transformed conversations. Managers and researchers could take a more holistic view of the environment."
Fiona McKerlie, Head of Researcher Development, emphasised NTU's commitment to leadership development: "Through extensive engagement with research leaders, we identified a critical need to support managers of researchers who may not be active researchers themselves. This collaboration has been instrumental in developing frameworks that guide decision-making."
A sustainable approach to development
The Research Leadership Development Programme wasn't just about in-person training. Advance HE provided:
- self-directed activities through NTU's Thrive platform
- flexible working options for completing session-related tasks
- a one-day follow-up session to assess implementation and identify future development needs
- specialist research leadership staff offering both academic and practical expertise.
Looking forward
Funded through an internal Enhancing Research Culture Investment Fund, this initiative represents a significant step forward in research leadership development. The programme's success lies in its blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, creating a foundation for sustainable growth in research leadership, culture and collaboration at NTU.
The collaborative approach between NTU and Advance HE has created a model that could inspire other institutions facing similar challenges in developing their research leadership capabilities. As higher education continues to evolve, such partnerships will become increasingly valuable in building the research leaders of tomorrow.
Read the case study Transforming Organisational Researcher Management Cultures at NTU by Neil Smyth, Researcher Development Consultant and Jo Richardson, Associate Dean Research, Nottingham Business School.