The University of Edinburgh recently unveiled its Research Cultures Action Plan for 2026-28. This document provides a blueprint for enhancing our research environment, and fostering excellence across the community. The plan underscores the University’s steadfast commitment to upholding the core values of citizenship, wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), ethics and integrity, and learning and reflecting.
The three colleges are charged with delivering a number of the actions on the University’s Action Plan. By drawing on information derived from the research cultures survey and through consultation with the CMVM Research Cultures Collaboration (CRCC), CMVM has identified ten strategic priorities, aimed at addressing key aspects vital for nurturing a thriving research culture. These can be found on the CMVM Research Culture Hub webpage, and are also summarised in the infographic opposite.
At the top of the priorities is empowering collaborative groups across schools to bolster consultation and enhancement of research practices. We’ve taken the first steps in this, by establishing the CRCC. Information about this group and its members can be found in a previous post.
Other priorities for the College include streamlining communication about research cultures, encouraging sharing of best practices, monitoring professional development, and promoting an in-depth understanding of research integrity and ethics.
The CMVM priorities also emphasise the enhancement of equitable access and support policies, ensuring the inclusion of postgraduate researchers in culture assessments, and the effective implementation and communication of a revised academic promotions framework.
By setting these priorities, the University and the College aim to not only enhance and support its research excellence, but also ensure supportive, inclusive, and dynamic research cultures for all its members.
Julia Dorin, CMVM Associate Dean of Research Culture
Related links
>> Research Cultures Action Plan
>> CMVM Research Culture Hub webpage
>> Previous Scope story about the CRCC
