Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers
The also known as the Researcher Development Concordat (RDC), sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, research managers, employers and funders. By doing so, the Concordat aims to enhance the research workforce and thereby support and sustain research excellence in the UK, bringing benefits to the health, economy and wellbeing within our society.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ was in the first cohort of 15 UK HEIs, and was the first Scottish HEI, to publicly declare its commitment to the new RDC in 2019. This ongoing commitment is key to driving a positive and healthy research and KE culture at ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ.
Further information on actions undertaken to meet ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ’s obligations as the signatory to the RDC, can be found in the ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ RDC Action Plan and Annual Compliance reports.
The following tabs outline sector resources designed to support researchers’ development.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Institutional Membership of Vitae
Supported by Research Councils UK and the UK Funding Councils, is dedicated to realising the potential of researchers through transforming their professional and career development in local and global contexts. ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ is a member of Vitae, which allows ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Contract Research Staff access to a range of networks, resources, and expertise for career development.
Vitae RDF Planner
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ subscribes to the . Researchers can use the RDF Planner to support their professional development, identify strengths and plan actions, review achievements and create a portfolio of evidence. Through the RDF Planner ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ can direct researchers to suitable courses and development opportunities linked to the RDF.
Equality and Diversity in Researcher Careers
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ is committed to equality and diversity in researcher careers and is actively involved in a number of sector initiatives to promote and embed good practice in this area including the Vitae initiatives to support .  ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ Equality and Diversity Committee sets the strategic framework for equality in service provision and employment across the University.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ actively encourages its Contract Research Staff to participate in the , a prestigious professional and personal research leadership programme supported by SFC and NESTA.Â
The is a partnership between Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, Queen ¶¶ÒõÊÓƵt University, and the University of Edinburgh. Its mission is to support and advance a culture of public engagement with research at these partner universities.
The network operates cooperatively, providing training, networking opportunities, and collaborative engagement activities including participating in national and collaborative initiatives.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ are involved in the (ScotPEN) which empowers researchers and communities across Scotland to engage in meaningful, inclusive, and impactful public engagement with research. By connecting, supporting, and amplifying public engagement efforts, ScotPEN fosters a collaborative network that promotes accessible public engagement, patient involvement, science communication and strengthens public understanding and trust in research.
¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ is a partner in , a unique pan-European initiative providing access to a complete range of information and support services to researchers wishing to pursue their research careers in Europe or stay connected to it. We are committed to promoting opportunities for researcher mobility.Â
