Designing the ideal research environment: what is needed to support a great research culture in our school? by Kate Tapper https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq University of Bristol Law School, Wednesday 15 December en-us 2021-12-13 18:03:13 UTC 2025-04-24 07:10:03 UTC hello@padlet.com Senior academics seeing their role as being primarily about greater responsibilities (esp for research mentoring) rather than privilege gavinphillipson1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949689836 2021-12-15 15:16:57 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949689836 Redesign the academic year https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949694918 2021-12-15 15:18:46 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949694918 Rebalance our workload and approach to prioritisation of workload https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949695965 2021-12-15 15:19:10 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949695965 A positive work-life balance and manageable workloads lwkao1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949696308 2021-12-15 15:19:18 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949696308 collegiality and support for each other - reading work critically and having the time to do this. We need critical friends! https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949697007 2021-12-15 15:19:32 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949697007 Our summer back! https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949697614 2021-12-15 15:19:46 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949697614 One with an eye to the outside world and how our research can benefit it gavinphillipson1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698044 2021-12-15 15:19:55 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698044 Happy mix between the planned and serendipitous - both top down and corridor conversations. jk19964 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698192 2021-12-15 15:19:57 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698192 clusters of excellence gavinphillipson1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698901 2021-12-15 15:20:14 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949698901 Increased professional services support https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949699585 2021-12-15 15:20:27 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949699585 Inclusivity and embracing the variety of research cultures within the School https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949699896 2021-12-15 15:20:34 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949699896 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949700197 Culture is incredibly complex!

]]> 2021-12-15 15:20:41 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949700197 We need a place in which mentoring is central and given the space and 'credit' it deserves and excellent research practice is modelled. yvetterussell1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949702918 2021-12-15 15:21:36 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949702918 workloads need to be managed. admin and teaching roles need to be managed - the psychological toll is immense. research comes last and everyone is exhausted by the time we get RL https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949704839 2021-12-15 15:22:20 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949704839 celebrating each others successes https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949706736 2021-12-15 15:23:01 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949706736 We have become a dumping ground for tasks that the university won't pay to have done. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949706848 2021-12-15 15:23:03 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949706848 our study leave policy https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949707445 2021-12-15 15:23:16 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949707445 valuing intellectual curiosity - people need to be encouraged to be bold and ambitious and have self belief. this is what produces great research https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949708760 2021-12-15 15:23:43 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949708760 Dialogue and knowledge exchange. More cross School seminars of Bristol staff. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949709548 2021-12-15 15:24:01 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949709548 A weekly one hour staff seminar at lunchtime in term time with a commitment to attendance from senior colleagues. jk19964 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949710129 2021-12-15 15:24:14 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949710129 Openness to receiving critical comments on work in progress lwkao1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949714356 2021-12-15 15:25:49 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949714356 manageable expectations which take account of differences between our school eco-system and others https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949715302 2021-12-15 15:26:10 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949715302 Reduced admin burden https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949716687 2021-12-15 15:26:40 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949716687 research needs to be properly WAM'd. we need time to think and actually attend seminars, even seminars that aren't related to our research area. we need time to just think https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949717628 2021-12-15 15:27:01 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949717628 Internal seminar series - make this internal for workshopping papers and ideas. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949717637 2021-12-15 15:27:01 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949717637 Time to think https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949721256 2021-12-15 15:28:15 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949721256 Paddy says that to answer this question we need to diminish the burden of other areas of our job - teaching and admin https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949722623 2021-12-15 15:28:42 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949722623 Working papers series- developed but not finished- for feedback. Across school and not within PUs. Dedicated slot. With constructive feedback. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949722966 2021-12-15 15:28:50 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949722966 internal seminars eleanorehickman2 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949723167 protected time in the week, WITH sandwiches, across the school. safe environment to get constructive feedback]]> 2021-12-15 15:28:54 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949723167 Protecting a Wednesday 1-2pm seminar slot that everyone including PhD students can attend and getting constructive feedback - with sandwiches! jk19964 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949724439 2021-12-15 15:29:19 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949724439 A school that clearly values research https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949728924 2021-12-15 15:30:59 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949728924 Email amnesty - no emails on Fridays maybe? Or increased use of chat functions to reduce emails. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949729845 2021-12-15 15:31:19 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949729845 Line management is different from research, and better mapping of research better onto primary units, given overlap with research centers. joshuapaine2 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949730694 2021-12-15 15:31:36 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949730694 Reduced email traffic! More email shutdowns! https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949733622 2021-12-15 15:32:38 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949733622 An environment free of emails to respond https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949734435 2021-12-15 15:32:49 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949734435 Strong emphasis on research quality. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949735958 2021-12-15 15:33:11 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949735958 clarity about quality / quantity relationship. has to be the former but we tend to think in terms of the latter for things like promotion https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949738014 2021-12-15 15:33:53 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949738014 Massively reduce e-mail traffic. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949741722 2021-12-15 15:35:08 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949741722 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949744746 Worth considering whether the size of the School is an impediment or facilitator of research culture (for PGR students too).]]> 2021-12-15 15:36:13 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949744746 promoting the school tradition of informal mentoring and colleagial support https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949746816 2021-12-15 15:36:59 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949746816 Buy in from colleagues to support each others research - seminars, informal peer review, chat through ideas. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949746874 2021-12-15 15:37:00 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949746874 Manage email. We need to reduce email traffic. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748106 2021-12-15 15:37:25 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748106 Lunch time brown bag seminars where everyone has to present research ideas once a year https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748502 2021-12-15 15:37:32 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748502 less references eleanorehickman2 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748615 templates. anonymised bank of references.]]> 2021-12-15 15:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949748615 Consider the structure of the academic year. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949751615 2021-12-15 15:38:40 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949751615 Research leave. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949752387 2021-12-15 15:38:55 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949752387 Work in progress sessions. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949753223 2021-12-15 15:39:14 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949753223 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949756800 peer support / input 
physical environment - a space to spark debate (for example, writing groups)
time 
mentorship 


]]> 2021-12-15 15:40:29 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949756800 Writing retreats. No email. Just a day to read and write. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949757848 2021-12-15 15:40:51 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949757848 Recognising need to take annual leave and have breaks. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949759304 2021-12-15 15:41:22 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949759304 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949762078 emphasis and support regarding mental wellbeing ]]> 2021-12-15 15:42:20 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949762078 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949762957 Timetabling]]> 2021-12-15 15:42:39 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949762957 integration and dialogue between education and research strategies, workflows and priorities https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949764678 2021-12-15 15:43:17 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949764678 Knowing our timetable well in advance so we can block out time. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949769011 2021-12-15 15:44:54 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949769011 A clear understanding of, and discussion about, what matters for progression/promotion in terms of our output, both in terms of quality and quantity https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949769069 2021-12-15 15:44:55 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949769069 A new joiners "Handbook" would have been very helpful when I started. jk19964 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949773927 2021-12-15 15:46:42 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949773927 Restructuring PUs and Centres - they should do different things and we should know what the purpose is. Not always clear at present. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949774825 2021-12-15 15:47:03 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949774825 Nurture morale, wellbeing and confidence https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949794660 2021-12-15 15:54:31 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949794660 Trust. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949802224 2021-12-15 15:57:19 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949802224 Praise https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949803871 2021-12-15 15:57:47 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949803871 Opportunities https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949805620 2021-12-15 15:58:25 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1949805620 Avoidance of elitism and more opportunities for constructive engagement and debate. tonianovitz1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950150136 2021-12-15 18:23:33 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950150136 Support in the form of making time to read and discuss each others' writing, research proposals and policy papers. tonianovitz1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950151220 2021-12-15 18:24:05 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950151220 Keeping 1 in 4 research leave. tonianovitz1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950151666 2021-12-15 18:24:19 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950151666 Opportunities to do work 'off the beaten track' in collaboration with policy actors and we need more flexibility in funding opportunities from the law school for this. tonianovitz1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950153321 2021-12-15 18:25:08 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950153321 Restoration of meaningful personal research budgets - rather than dependence on adhering to School/Faculty research themes o patronage within the research centres. tonianovitz1 https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950154842 2021-12-15 18:25:52 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950154842 Reduced email traffic, less bureaucratisation (for the sake of it), recognition of work required of those that successfully obtain funding during the duration of the funding beyond a small teaching reduction in the WAM with explicit allocation required and given when those who obtain large funds take on line management roles because of such funding. Explicit weight given to successful funding (esp for large bids) by promotion panels with awareness that this means that in the year where the bid was put in , the applicant has spent 3-4 months on bid writing rather than traditional academic outputs. This is crucial esp for junior colleagues where this consideration is at present not really tangibly considered in such panels. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950177484 2021-12-15 18:36:59 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950177484 Proper well supported administrative infrastructure that does not create more bureaucracy and unnecessary and duplicate paperwork https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950177669 2021-12-15 18:37:05 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950177669 Reinstate the research allowance, show appreciation for the work done, stop reducing our worth to metrics - find a more human way to respond to our need to take part in exercises like REF while not reducing our value only to REF metrics https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950183027 2021-12-15 18:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950183027 Ensure that staff teaching workload is on par with those working at other RG universities (law schools). At the moment staff teach far more than most RG colleagues thereby placing even more pressure on staff when it comes to keeping up with research at a level that is commensurate at being a research-led institution. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950185172 2021-12-15 18:40:46 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950185172 More overlap between what is required of us in terms research outputs for REF /professional recognition(eg quality over quantity) and promotions (where the reverse applies). It feels like we are on an endless wheel trying to meet diametrically opposed expectations. Is that fair? https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950190070 2021-12-15 18:43:16 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1950190070 Keep 1 in 4. Get back the research allowance and increase it. Recognise in WAM or by reducing expectations of outputs in a given year the time spent applying for big funding Bids. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951097728 2021-12-16 06:33:59 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951097728 Building community is integral to good research. From management we need more time and resources, the creation and nurturing of dedicated spaces for exchange (e.g. centres), less nonsense administration etc. But each of us also needs to commit to showing up to things, thinking beyond our own personal advancement, reading and commenting on our colleague's WIP etc. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951159650 2021-12-16 07:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951159650 Reliable time carved out for research, funding & resources, support from academic colleagues & professional services, regular opportunities to engage with each other's work, sensible expectations in terms of 'outputs' https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951329275 2021-12-16 09:29:58 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951329275 Reliable and safe time carved out for research throughout the year with a reasonable allowance with realistic research goals / targets for all staff (especially ECRs) Ensuring that admin roles research staff are given do not take up all their time. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951667355 2021-12-16 13:11:18 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951667355 I echo the new joiners 'Handbook' point raise by someone else. So much time wasted trying to work pout complicated processes. Would be helpful if it could all be in one place (inc research, admin and teaching processes) https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951669584 2021-12-16 13:12:09 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951669584 Trust, support and collaboration. To echo our students - a sense of 'community' that is collaborative and engaged whilst maintaining an element of academic challenge. Not be driven wholly by targets but by conducting rigorous research we are passionate about. https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951672253 2021-12-16 13:13:16 UTC https://padlet.com/katebuddevelopment/gzx8svyk6g83x8wq/wish/1951672253