Positive research culture is fundamental to our mission; we strive to create an environment where all research staff—whether in academic, technical, or support roles—feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to excel. This culture is reflected in how we collaborate, communicate, and interact, as well as in the behaviours, attitudes, and values that guide our collective research.
Midlands Innovation (MI) has outlined its commitment to enhancing the research environment across the partnership by issuing a shared statement underscoring the importance of a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive research culture that transcends institutional boundaries.
To foster and support a collaborative approach, MI has established two networks:
Championing PRISMS
MI has worked to raise the profile of Professional Research Investment and Strategy Managers (PRISMS). PRISMS support and enable efficient research and a positive research culture by managing and leading large-scale research projects and programs. MI has facilitated a round table between PRISMS and the UKRI CEO, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, highlighting the challenges PRISMS face and the value their roles bring. MI delivered a study of Midlands PRISMs to gain further insight into this largely invisible workforce and better understand their experiences and career paths. The MI Director currently chairs the Advisory Board for the national PRISM Network having started her career as a PRISM.
Championing Technicians
Since 2015 MI has helped to increase the visibility of our technical workforce, to recognise its excellence and support career development. In 2015 we established the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (a biennial conference for the technical community) and launched the Papin Prizes to celebrate excellence in the HE technical community. Our eight universities were founding signatories of the Technician Commitment. Our work championing technicians is guided by our Technical Staff Strategy Committee.
MI TALENT Programme
The transformational programme launched in 2020 to advance status and opportunities for technicians in UK higher education and research. The TALENT Commission report has gathered new strategic insights into the UK’s technical workforce in higher education and research. Midlands Innovation universities have collectively committed to implementing the employer recommendations within their institutes, improving future technical skills, roles, and careers for the 2,100 technicians in the MI community.
Partner Contributions
Each of our partner members is responsible for developing the research culture within their organisations, with each developing working groups and commitments of their own. Additionally, the University of Warwick host the Warwick National Centre for Research Culture and Research Culture Enablers Network, an initiative of the Centre.
We aim to build on the work and initiatives that MI has long championed. From securing the largest UK investment to advance the careers of technicians through our TALENT Programme and TALENT Commission, to the work we’re undertaking to raise the profile of ‘research enablers’—the Professional Investment Strategy Managers (PRISMs)—MI is committed to collaborating and sharing best practices for the benefit of the entire research community.
Dr Helen Turner
Director of Midlands Innovation
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