Published on 30 March 2023
Following an initial panel-led review, the Executive has agreed to award three Research Culture Fellowships to the University of Sunderland's Dr Matthew Campbell and Dr Amy Pearson (Faculty of Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing) and Dr Cate Watkinson (Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries).
Professor Michael Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), said: “We’re all delighted that Amy, Cate and Matt are taking up these new roles for the University, following a very competitive process.
“Developing our research culture, in all its facets, is a key priority for the University over the coming years, to continue building our reputation for excellence and to prepare for a possible REF assessment in 2027/28.”
The Fellows will begin work on the following projects, which have been made by UK Research and Innovation’s Enhancing Research Culture Fund and with financial support from the University.
Dr Matthew Campbell: Research Culture Fellow (Research Governance, Ethics & Integrity). Dr Campbell will support the Chair of the University Research Governance and Integrity group in taking forward some priority areas of improvement. These include an institutional review on research governance policies, ensuring that these are embedded in standard practice. The role will also look to improve processes and help raise the visibility of good research integrity across the institution.
Dr Amy Pearson: Research Culture Fellow (Engagement). Dr Pearson will provide academic leadership and advice for action plans, projects, events and training to enhance positive research and KE cultures across the University. She will be lead conveyor to the proposed Research and Knowledge Exchange (RKE) Staff Network, and an academic staff representative within the RKE Engagement group.
Dr Cate Watkinson: Research Culture Fellow (Development). Dr Watkinson will work closely with colleagues within the Research and KE Environment team and Organisation & Staff Development to help lead on researcher development opportunities for staff at all career stages. Supporting the research coaching and mentoring agenda at the University, she will ensure the agenda aligns with the University’s people plan and to support the review process of staff degree qualifications. Assisting in taking forward institutional actions from various Concordat commitments, including the HR Excellence in Research, Dr Watkinson will also be an academic representative on the RKE Staff Development Group.
The fellowships are awarded for one year in the first instance and will begin to lead on these projects in the coming weeks.