New Academic Leads for Research Culture have been appointed in the School of Biological Sciences. Milka Sarris (Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience) and Klaus Okkenhaug (Department of Pathology) will be working with colleagues across the School to develop and implement a research culture strategy to drive positive change in our research community.
In line with the School’s commitment to enhance research culture, there has already been important progress in this area, including a series of DORA recommendations for research assessment, a package of initiatives to support the career development and progression of research fellows and the development of Research Themes, which provide new opportunities for leadership roles and bring people together from a variety of perspectives and career stages.
The new Academic Leads said, "We are very excited to be part of the new Research Culture and Diversity team at this time of change. We will strive to develop new strategies to support career progression and enhance collaboration, so that the School excels as a positive, stimulating and inclusive academic environment to grow."
Milka and Klaus will work alongside Andrew Blagborough and Mathew van de Pette, the Academic Leads for Widening Participation and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, respectively. This work will be supported by the School’s Research Culture Facilitators, Paula Bibby and Rachel Bailey.
The team work closely with other networks within the School, such as the Research Culture Champions, who raise relevant research culture, equality and diversity and inclusion issues within their Departments and help identify areas for future development, as well as the Biological Sciences Early PI Network, offering peer-support to early career Principal Investigators moving to Cambridge.
Find out more about Research Culture in the School of Biological Sciences.