Good research culture scoping review

Dr Kay Lakin, Hatch Lead and Senior Enterprise Fellow at the University of Southampton, has collaborated on a scoping review on what constitutes a good research culture.

The recently published review explores the problems with ‘poor’ research culture, the benefits of ‘good’ research culture, and what ‘good’ research culture means.  

It addresses issues in research culture such as prioritising quantity over quality, unhealthy competition, and evaluation based on publications and funding. Furthermore, it highlights opportunities for improvements in research culture in areas including job security, well-being, equality of opportunity, teamwork and interdisciplinary, and research quality and accountability.

Dr Kay Lakin said: “Concerns about the pressures of working in research are well documented in academic literature.

“At Hatch we have extensive experience in research and evaluation and have witnessed the benefits of a good research culture, as well as the challenges and strains of a bad one.

“This review illustrates that there are opportunities for research institutions to improve their own practice but crucially, they cannot do it alone. Research institutions and research funders must work together to create a more sustainable culture that is diverse and centred on well-being, career progression and performance.”

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