Research Culture Uncovered

Research Culturosity, University of Leeds

At the University of Leeds, we believe that all members of our research community play a crucial role in developing and promoting a positive and inclusive research culture. Across the globe, the urgent need for a better Research Culture in Higher Education is widely accepted – but how do you make it happen? This weekly podcast focuses on our ideas, approaches and learning as we contribute to the University's attempt to create a Research Culture in which everyone can thrive. Whether you undertake, lead, fund or benefit from research - these are the conversations to listen to if you want to explore what a positive Research Culture is and why it matters. Unless specified in the episode shownotes, Research Culture Uncovered © 2023 by Research Culturosity, University of Leeds is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. Some episodes may be licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0, please check before use.

  1. 1D AGO

    (Episode 153) How we solved research culture (you're welcome)

    In today's final episode of Research Culture Uncovered, hosts Taryn Bell and Emily Ennis discuss how they solved research culture. With no more issues left to fix, and everything running smoothly, they take one last opportunity to sit back, rest, and reflect on how everything went so right... Just kidding. Happy April Fools! In this episode, Taryn and Emily look back at what’s been achieved over the last 12 months, discuss some of the ‘classic’ research culture challenges facing higher education, and confront the notion that research culture is a problem that can be solved for good. Key takeaways: Research culture isn't something that can ever be solved - it's an ongoing, evolving processReal, genuine change can't come from research culture teams alone - meaningful change requires widespread involvement and collective responsibilityMore than ever, research culture needs to become a matter of 'business as usual', rather than an added extra In case you'd like to know more... Learn more about Research Culture at LeedsNever heard of the REF? Read more about the Research Excellence Framework All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementMeet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionalsAcademic failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn) Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    35 min

  2. MAR 25

    (Episode 152) Maturity frameworks for research culture: building buy-in for collective action

    In this episode of #ResearchCultureUncovered, host Dr Emily Ennis talks with Dr Amy Mayfield (Lancaster University) and Dr Nicola Simcock (Newcastle University) about how maturity frameworks are helping departments move from good intentions to practical change. What you’ll hear: Why a “maturity framework” (name still up for debate!) helps complex organisations reflect honestly on where they are now and where they want to get to, without turning evaluation into yet another top‑down exercise.Local first, institution-wide impact. Newcastle’s pilot runs the tool with units of different sizes to surface priorities, share what already works, and target support.Different disciplines, different ways of engaging. Some users preferred quantitative responses, others qualitative – and yes, a stereotypical disciplinary split has happened! – but both routes generated useful, actionable insight.Lancaster’s MERCI project (Maturity and Evaluation of Research Culture Initiatives) uses away day workshops and a simple “Why?” prompt to collect the richest qualitative feedback and to recognise distance travelled.Alignment without overload. Both teams map areas to action plans and sector drivers (e.g., SPRE/PCE) so one exercise can inform unit‑level work, institutional narratives, and wider evaluation needs: saving time while building buy‑in. Please note: we have had to edit much laughter out of this podcast, but felt adding in a laugh track might make things feel a bit too 90s sitcom. But please, laugh along with us! 🔗 Initiatives and outputs referenced in this episode These are the items that will need links in your published show notes: UKRN Recognising and rewarding open research toolkitEDGE Tool (National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement)Wellcome Trust, ‘What researchers think about the culture they work in’Royal Society research culture workPCE Pilot ReportSPRE – Strategy, People & Research EnvironmentCEDARS SurveyN8 Research PartnershipWellcome Institutional Fund for Research CultureLancaster’s Research Culture workNewcastle’s Research Culture work

    54 min

  3. MAR 18

    (Episode 151) Finding Your Tribe: Reflections from the First Impact Ignite Conference

    🎙️ The #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast team is excited to share our latest episode featuring reflections from the groundbreaking Impact Ignite Conference! Join host Ged Hall, discuss the conference with fellow University of Leeds #impactprofessionals Andy Cameron, Anu Ekanayake, Ali Quaile, Alexa Ruppertsberg, and Ruth Lawford-Rolfe as they discuss their experiences from this first-of-its-kind global gathering of research impact professionals. 🔹 Discover how Impact Ignite brought together impact professionals from the UK, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and Australia—creating a true sense of community and solidarity for those working to bridge research and real-world change. 🔹 Learn about practical tools and strategies shared at the conference, including collaborative mapping techniques, impact strategy toolkits, and innovative coaching approaches that can transform how we work with researchers. 🔹 Hear reflections on the unique skillset impact professionals bring—from partnership development and storytelling to navigating institutional change and emerging technologies like AI in research impact practice. 🔹 Explore the challenges facing higher education and the critical advocacy role impact professionals play in ensuring universities remain relevant, collaborative, and focused on meaningful societal benefit. To connect with the guests on LinkedIn: Alexa Ruppertsberg (Head of Public Engagement)Alistair Quaile ( Faculty Research Impact Manager in the Business School)Andy Cameron ( Faculty Impact Manager in Medicine Health)Anu Ekanayake ( Research Impact Innovation and Engagement Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences)Ruth Lawford-Rolfe ( Research Impact Manager in the School of Earth and Environment and Sustainability) All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementAcademic Failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionals Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) Leeds Research Culture links: Researcher Development and Culture WebsiteOur Concordat Implemention plans and progressUniversity of Leeds Research Culture StatementUniversity of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement University of Leeds Open Research Statement University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-public-engagement If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    50 min

  4. MAR 4

    (Episode 150) Research Impact Heroes - Dr Tamika Heiden on Building Global Impact Communities

    🎙️In our latest episode, host Dr Ged Hall interviewed another of his #ResearchImpactHeroes Dr Tamika Heiden, founder of the Research Impact Academy and creator of the Research Impact Summit! Discover how one person's passion is beginning the process of creating a global community for research impact. 🔹 Hear Tamika's inspiring journey from PhD student to research impact entrepreneur, driven by a simple question: "Who makes sure my work gets to where it's needed?" 🔹 Learn the origin story of the Research Impact Summit - born from a sunny Melbourne day, a coffee in hand, and a borrowed idea that became a decade-long global initiative. 🔹 Explore the evolution of knowledge translation in Canada and how it shaped modern research impact practice worldwide. 🔹 Discover insights from the first Research Impact Ignite conference in Southampton and what it takes to build a thriving professional community. 🔹 Understand the challenges and opportunities for research impact culture in Australia and beyond. If you're passionate about making research matter, building professional communities, and creating real-world change, this episode is for you! Tamika shares her impact heroes too - a touching tribute to her team members Cathie Withyman and Kate Shook, who exemplify the dedication and passion that drives the impact community forward. 💡Find out more about the Research Impact Academy and the Summit or follow them on their social channels RIA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-impact-academy/ RIA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@researchimpactacademy RIA on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/researchimpactacademy.com Podcast episodes mentioned in the interview: Why impact matters more than labels with Tamika Heiden (Research Adjacents podcast Episode 75)(Research Culture Uncovered S5E8) The Future of Research Impact Culture Links to resources mentioned in the episode: The Rt Honourable Lord David Willetts interview with the Institute for Government, reflecting on his time as a Minister. All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementAcademic Failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionals Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) Leeds Research Culture links: Researcher Development and Culture WebsiteOur Concordat Implemention plans and progressUniversity of Leeds Research Culture StatementUniversity of Leeds Responsible Metrics StatementUniversity of Leeds Open Research StatementUniversity of Leeds Rsearch Culture Strategy - launched September 2023 If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    47 min

  5. FEB 25

    (Episode 149) Meet the Culturositists: Introducing Alix Brodie-Wray

    🎧The latest new episode of the #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast Ged Hall introduces our New Host, Alix Brodie-Wray. Alix is Faculty Impact Development Manager for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures at the University of Leeds. Alix discusses her role, which includes supporting impact case study development and working on impact literacy across nine schools. Find out more about Alix and what she will be bringing in her episodes. Topics include: 🔸 Alix's background, including her journey from the University of Brighton through various research support roles to her current position at Leeds. 🔸 Her role and responsibilities supporting arts and humanities impact. 🔸 Alix’s and Ged’s shared passion outside of work, Mod culture and soul music. 🔸 The biggest challenges facing researchers today, including disciplinary silos and public perception of higher education. 🔸 Her work on impact strategy, ethical approaches to impact, and making research more visible. ❓ What will Alix be covering in her upcoming episodes? 💡 Thought-provoking conversations on arts and humanities impact and the role of professional services in research. 📊 Meta-research and the participation of research administrators in shaping research culture. 🤝 Co-production, ethics, and practical approaches to impact case study development. Listeners can connect with Alix on LinkedIn Items mentioned in the episode: ‘Clean Living Under Difficult Circumstances: A Life In Mod – From the Revival to Acid Jazz’ by Eddie PillerLinkedIn post about the results of the 2025 Australian University Census.Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) Meta Research Special Interest GroupInternational Medieval Congress 2025 – Medieval Studies in Action All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn) and Alix Brodie-Wray (follow Alix on LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementMeet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionalsAcademic failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn) Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    41 min

  6. FEB 18

    (Episode 148) Doing the right thing: Research misconduct and building a culture that values integrity

    In this episode, our host Emily Goodall speaks with James Parry, an independent consultant specialising in research integrity and research culture, and former Chief Executive of the UK Research Integrity Office. With years of experience supporting organisations and the research community, James shares insights on how research misconduct extends far beyond instances of fabrication or plagiarism — and how everyday pressures, small compromises, and unchallenged bad behaviour can erode trust, wellbeing, and research quality. Integrity in research isn’t just about following rules — it’s about building a culture where doing the right thing is supported, encouraged, and possible. Episode highlights include: 1️⃣ How systemic pressures like publish-or-perish cultures, job precarity, and time strain make good practice harder to maintain. 2️⃣ Why seeking advice and support early is essential: “You don't have to go full Scooby-Doo!” It’s not your job to investigate or challenge poor practice on your own. 3️⃣ The importance of a “setbacks, not failures” mindset to reduce pressure, discourage corner-cutting, and support wellbeing. 4️⃣ Creating environments where people feel safe to raise concerns and leaders role in supporting good practice. 5️⃣ How unchallenged misconduct and poor culture can damage relationships, trust, and collaboration. Links and resources from this episode: How to contact James: https://parryconsulting.org/contact-me/James Parry LinkedIN profile and James Parry Consulting website.The Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2025).UK Committee on Research Integrity/ Research Consulting, Review of annual statements on research integrity (2025).UK Committee on Research Integrity, Indicators of Research Integrity (2024).All European Academies (ALLEA), European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (2023).World Conference on Research Integrity (WCRI), Singapore Statement on Research Integrity (2010). If you have enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast app, via Podchaser, or by submitting an online review form. ✍ Podchaser https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/research-culture-uncovered-4959637?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast_page&action=rate ✍ Online Review Form https://forms.office.com/e/6effjgmmM6 All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementMeet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionalsAcademic failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn) Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here too). If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    40 min

  7. FEB 11

    (Episode 147) Who Gets to Belong? LGBT+ History Month

    🎧 Show notes Episode title: Who Gets to Belong? LGBT+ History Month Podcast: Research Culture Uncovered Host: Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths (Researcher Development Advisor, University of Leeds) Episode overview LGBT+ History Month takes place every February, and the 2026 theme is Science & Innovation. In this episode, Heledd is joined by Morgan Buswell and Dr Robin Hayward to explore what LGBT+ History Month means in a research context — including how science and innovation spaces are experienced by LGBT+ colleagues, why some stories and contributions remain overlooked, and what helps create cultures where people genuinely feel able to belong and thrive. The conversation reflects on the balance between celebration and realism, the emotional labour involved in community and visibility work, and the importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and practical inclusion within research cultures. Featured contributors Morgan Buswell (he/him) - Morgan works across internal and external communications at the University of Leeds and has been Co-Chair of the University’s LGBT+ Staff Network for the past two years. In this role, he supports community building, visibility, and inclusive engagement across the institution, helping to create spaces where LGBT+ colleagues feel able to connect, be heard, and access support. Connect with Morgan: LinkedIn: Morgan Buswell Dr Robin Hayward (they/them) Dr Robin Hayward is the Communications and Engagement Officer for the Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere and Forest Centre (LEAF) at the University of Leeds, sharing research into trees and woodlands across the institution. Robin was also part of the team that developed the University’s Inclusive Fieldwork Hub, supporting safety, equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ fieldworkers. Outside the University, Robin is a freelance science communicator, communication trainer, LGBTQ+ educator and designer, specialising in the intersection between nature and LGBTQ+ identities. They were recently commissioned to create the official badge design for LGBT+ History Month 2026. Connect with Robin LinkedIn: Robin HaywardBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/canopyrobin.comBluesky (LEAF): https://bsky.app/profile/leedsleaf.bsky.socialWebsite: https://canopyrobin.com/LEAF: https://leaf.leeds.ac.uk/Inclusive Fieldwork Hub: https://inclusivefieldwork.leeds.ac.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canopyrobin/Instagram (LEAF): https://www.instagram.com/leeds_leaf/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@canopyrobinThreads: https://www.threads.com/@canopyrobinMastodon: https://mastodon.social/search?q=%40canopyrobin Key themes explored LGBT+ History Month as celebration and educationBelonging, visibility, and emotional labour in research culturesWhose stories are remembered — and whose are overlookedInclusive fieldwork and practical guidance for safer research environmentsCuriosity, respect, and psychological safety as foundations for belonging Resources mentioned LGBT+ History Month (official site) https://lgbtplushistorymonth.co.uk/Inclusive Fieldwork Hub (University of Leeds) https://inclusivefieldwork.leeds.ac.uk/PRIDE Guidelines for LGBTQ+ fieldworkers https://inclusivefieldwork.leeds.ac.uk/pride/Podcast Episode 137 — Drag, law, and the value of collaborative knowledge sharing https://research-culture.captivate.fm/episode/episode-137-drag-law-and-the-value-of-collaborative-knowledge-sharing Leave a review If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a rating and short review — it really helps others find the podcast. ✍ Podchaser ✍ Online Review Form Follow and connect Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social | @openresleeds.bsky.social | @researchcultureuol.bsky.socialLinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast Want to contribute to a future episode? We’d love to hear from you — especially if you have reflections on research culture from any career stage or role. 📩 researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    29 min

  8. FEB 4

    (Episode 146) How do funders support research cultures?: Behind the scenes at Cancer Research UK

    In today's episode, Taryn Bell talks to Dr Mat Tata, Research Programme Manager (EDI in Research) at Cancer Research UK. Mat leads CRUK's work on equality, diversity and inclusion in research, and offers us an insight into research culture from the funder's perspective. Key highlights: 1️⃣Understanding the grant review process - Mat discusses how decisions are made across CRUK's funding calls, and the steps CRUK has taken to ensure their funding process is transparent, proportional and equitable. 2️⃣Funders as a mechanism for healthier research cultures - Taryn and Mat discuss the role of funders like CRUK in encouraging good behaviour while managing more serious issues of research misconduct. 3️⃣Cancer Research UK's role in supporting researchers and the public - Mat discusses how CRUK is different from other funders, and shares some of their recent work improving science literacy across the UK. Want to know more about Cancer Research UK, or about the resources mentioned in this episode? CRUK's EDI in Research Strategic ApproachCRUK's Policy on dignity at work in researchCRUK's Research integrity guidelinesCRUK's Research in Cancers of Unmet NeedCRUK's Narrative CV guidance'Research careers – changing the narrative for CVs' (written by Mat)PEP-CV - the narrative CV mentorship platform All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent managementMeet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research co-productionResearch evaluationResearch leadershipResearch professionalsAcademic failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn) Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk

    36 min
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About

At the University of Leeds, we believe that all members of our research community play a crucial role in developing and promoting a positive and inclusive research culture. Across the globe, the urgent need for a better Research Culture in Higher Education is widely accepted – but how do you make it happen? This weekly podcast focuses on our ideas, approaches and learning as we contribute to the University's attempt to create a Research Culture in which everyone can thrive. Whether you undertake, lead, fund or benefit from research - these are the conversations to listen to if you want to explore what a positive Research Culture is and why it matters. Unless specified in the episode shownotes, Research Culture Uncovered © 2023 by Research Culturosity, University of Leeds is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. This license requires that reusers give credit to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license the modified material under identical terms. Some episodes may be licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0, please check before use.

Information

  • Creator
    Research Culturosity, University of Leeds
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    152
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Unless specified in shownotes, Research Culture Uncovered © 2023 by Research Culturosity, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Reusers must give credit to the creator. If you remix, adapt, or build upon the material, you must license under identical terms.
  • Show Website
    Research Culture Uncovered

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