St Andrew's University was a worthy winner yesterday of the 2007 Times Higher Award for Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers. The Award, sponsored by Research Councils UK in association with the UK GRAD Programme, aims to recognise the groundbreaking work being undertaken by higher education institutions in building a better future for UK research and researchers.
Iain Cameron, Head of the RCUK Careers and Diversity Unit, said "We are delighted that the judges have selected a practice which demonstrates such outstanding support for early career researchers, innovating in delivery and having impact amongst both research students and staff. It also showed the use of evaluation to inform ongoing development, to ensure relevance and quality."
The Research Councils need a skilled and motivated workforce to maintain a healthy and vibrant research sector and fulfil research grants. To achieve this, Research Councils UK works with a wide range of organisations and groups across higher education to ensure researchers have the skills they need to work and manage their careers. The UK GRAD Programme is a key part of this and catalyses innovative practices in the delivery of career development and transferable skills training.
Janet Metcalfe, Director of the UK GRAD Programme, said "We have been impressed by the overall quality of the competition and all the shortlisted finalists provided evidence of outstanding support for researchers. We hope their innovative approaches will inspire other universities in developing their own practice."
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Notes
The role of the UK GRAD Programme is to support the academic sector to embed personal and professional skills development into research degree programmes (RDP).
Their vision is for all postgraduate researchers to be fully equipped and encouraged to complete their studies and to make a successful transition to their future careers.
http://www.grad.ac.uk/
About Research Councils UK
The seven Research Councils are independent non-departmental public bodies, funded by the Science Budget through the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS). They are incorporated by Royal Charter and together manage a research budget of over £2.8 billion a year.
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the partnership between the UK's seven Research Councils. Through RCUK, the Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC);
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC);
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC);
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC);
- Medical Research Council (MRC);
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC);
- Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
Contact
Julia Short
RCUK Media Officer, Tel 01793 444435