Research culture encompasses the behaviours, values, expectations, attitudes and norms of our research communities. It influences researchers’ career paths and determines the way that research is conducted and communicated (Royal Society definition).

Everyone conducting or supporting research – from academics and research staff to technicians, students and professional services is integral to King’s research culture.

We envision a research culture in which individuals thrive, every contribution is valued, and good research practice is the norm. These are our three key areas of focus.

Empowering researchers to Thrive: 

King’s should be a place where all potential is recognised, individual development is supported and colleagues at all stages of their career feel empowered to do their best work. We place the wellbeing of our people at the heart of everything we do, investing in their development and building strong and supportive communities. Connecting services across the college, we work to create an environment in which the diversity of our research community is celebrated, everyone feels included, and where bullying and harassment have no place.

Valuing all contributions: 

Our research culture is defined by the diversity of voices that contribute to it. We promote the implementation of inclusive authorship policies, acknowledging team efforts, and instituting awards that celebrate excellence across various dimensions. As such, we aim to ensure that King’s is a place where everyone involved in research feels valued and inspired to contribute their unique perspectives and talents from a myriad of disciplines, roles, experiences and backgrounds. 

Supporting good research practice: 

Positive research culture is underpinned by a dedication to uphold the highest standards of research integrity, ethics, and practice. We advocate for the use of transparent and reproducible research methodologies, as well as ensuring that all researchers receive the necessary training and support to conduct ethical and rigorous investigations.

Our efforts within the three key areas take place at four intervention levels:

• Sector (e.g. feeding into national policy and initiatives)
• Institution/whole college
• Communities (e.g. Faculties, Schools, Departments)
• Individuals

The Central Research Culture team are very happy to support with any ideas and initiatives to improve research culture in your area or department. We can also speak to you about any concerns you may have and signpost to services across the college. We can help you embed research culture elements into grant applications and projects and work with you to ensure delivery on these. Please feel free to contact any member of our team directly, or email researchculture@kcl.ac.uk.