Thread by @ASollowayUK

I was delighted to speak at the @Vitae_news conference this morning on the topic of research culture. #vitaecon2020 #researchculture #unleashinginnovation

Firstly, it’s clear that we have some of the world’s most incredibly talented people working in UK research. Amazing and diverse people who it’s been a privilege to meet and talk to. We cannot deliver our ambitions without your focus, creativity and passion. /1

I have heard a lot about what has helped you be successful, but also the things holding you back or causing you to quit research altogether. Things which our R&D People and Culture Strategy must address: /2

→ A singular focus on “academia or bust”, despite the huge opportunities in, and demand from, industry.
→ Hyper-competition for funding and a culture of “publish or perish”.
→ Bullying and harassment. /3

Bullying and harassment must never be tolerated. Yet a survey by @wellcometrust shows just how widespread it is: wellcome.org/reports/what-r… We must do everything we can to stamp this out. /4

And having a casualised research workforce where the vast majority of people can’t develop a proper career is no way to build our status as a science superpower. We need long term opportunities with long term funding to match. /5

Above all, we need to put diversity at the heart of everything we do. This is a phenomenal challenge and not one we can rise to with simplistic metrics, mandates or kite marks. It needs fundamental change to the way we fund research and to what we value about research. /6

And we need to embrace diversity – different ideas and ways of doing things. We should value datasets, code, exhibitions, engagement and citizen science – just as much as we value publications. And we need to see full and immediate open access to all publicly funded research. /7

Science and research are an incredible gift to humanity – giving us the potential to be surprised, to discover new and interesting things, and to advance human progress – whether by a tiny step or a giant leap. Let’s embrace that potential and transform our research culture. /8

Full text of my speech: gov.uk/government/spe…