The research agenda often overlooks research support staff. In September 2020, the Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA), the professional body for those who support research, undertook a sector-wide survey of this community’s perspectives and experiences with regards to research culture.
Nearly 300 individuals completed the survey, capturing a broad spectrum of experiences, including those of administrators, librarians, lawyers, project/strategy managers, policymakers – all people who work to make researchers and their projects the best they can be. To ensure parity of esteem and inclusion in the research culture agenda, this survey asked same questions as had other surveys on research culture, notably the recent Wellcome Trust Reimagine Research Culture survey.
The results give an important insight into the scale of progress still needed to make working in research – either as a researcher or a supportive role – a kinder, more inclusive experience, where diversity in all its forms is valued.
The survey indicated a “them and us culture between academic/researchers and professional services/research support” and was seemingly reinforced by an undervaluing of non-academic roles and contributions; “the skills, expertise and experience of PSS and/or non-academic staff are often valued less than those of academic staff, even where the expertise of the former is more relevant than the latter…”. Many respondents said they felt “very valued by my direct team but not by the university, which places little value on non-academic staff”, signalling an institutionalised culture of disparity between the academic and support job families. With 44% of the ARMA survey respondents having directly experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination, and 43% reporting the same in the Wellcome Trust Reimagine Research Culture survey, this indicates a great deal of common ground. It therefore makes sense to address this complex, interwoven and interdependent challenge of research culture as a collective.
The survey also explored how to widen the gaze of research culture, to improve research culture for all and to give a voice to those who are often overlooked. ARMA aims to act in the interests of the profession and its members, advocating for their interests. The ARMA Research Culture Survey 2020 is the start of a programme of collaborative initiatives, training and empowerment to help foster a creative, inclusive and supportive research culture where the freedom and opportunity to succeed is available to all.
Jennifer Stergiou, ARMA Chair said “This is a landmark survey of research managers and administrators, asking for the first time about their specific experiences of research culture. This marks the beginning of a journey for our community in addressing those issues which detract from the positive, kind and inclusive culture in which we should all be able to work, and bolstering the positive elements of research managers and administrators’ experiences. I look forward to working collaboratively with ARMA members and others across the sector to address the recommendations of this report.”
You can read more about the ARMA Research Culture Survey 2020 findings here.
