(S9/E3) Postdocs as Innovators: Shaping Research Culture at the University of Leeds

Research Culture Uncovered

In our regular Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking - "What is Research Culture and why does it matter?"

This time, we focus on How Postdocs at Leeds Are Shaping Research Culture.

Ruth Winden is speaking to three dedicated postdocs - Laurin McDowall, Jessica Swanson, and James Warren – who have just secured Research England funding for their innovative career development programme and compelling vision to change research culture.

In contrast to researcher development initiatives that we have developed in close partnership with our researchers, this project is different: it is led by postdocs, for postdocs.

This time, our role as researcher developers and research professionals from across the University is to contribute, consult and support to help these postdocs fulfil their vision.

Learn more about the thinking behind this project, the deliverables and especially the postdocs' motivation. What made this group take the lead in changing research culture?

Key Aims of the Project:

- Signposting Career Development Resources: make the wide-ranging career development information and opportunities more accessible through centralised resource, in one easily navigable location. The emphasis is on helping postdocs, whatever their career stage, engage earlier, more easily and more consistently with their professional development when they have all the information they need at their fingertips.

- Opening Doors for Professional Accreditations: facilitate access to professional bodies and certification courses, so postdocs gain recognition for their expertise – and the relevant qualifications to prove it. Examples will be gaining chartered status or project management qualifications, which are a career development asset for any researcher career path.

- Empowerment Through Collaboration: demonstrate the power of postdocs collaborating across faculties, engaging with university support systems, and taking the lead in their career development. For this group of postdocs, the project is a prime example of how their leadership can change the status quo for the better.

Be inspired by our postdocs’ tenacity and motivation to make a difference.

We can't wait to see the positive impact this project will have on our research community over the next 12 months. And in summer 2025, we will come back onto the podcast and review the project outcomes, lessons learnt and future plans.

If you want to learn more about our guests, please visit their LinkedIn profiles:

Dr James Warren | Dr Jessica Swanson | Dr Laurin McDowall

Follow us on X: @ResDevLeeds (new episodes are announced here), @OpenResLeeds, @ResCultureLeeds

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)

Leeds Research Culture links: Researcher Development and Culture Website

If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: [e-mail]