If you’re an early-career researcher or lecturer the forthcoming Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) may be your first REF round, but it probably won’t be your last. The main way in which the REF will affect early-career academics is in its requirement for outputs (between two and four published outputs for…>
Academic Careers
Making the Most of Research Leave
Research leave can be a blessing, but like other aspects of academic life, needs to be managed carefully in order to get the most out of it. Here are a few tips on how to make the best use of your time if you’re fortunate enough to be awarded leave…>
The Importance Of Social Media To Your Academic Visibility
As a tool of academic networking, social media has become an almost indispensable feature of academic life. It is possible that its importance varies according to your standing within the profession. For older and more established scholars, some remain reluctant to experiment with social media, believing that their status within…>
Publishing Articles, and the Debate Over ‘Open Access’ Publications
Academics, and those aspiring to enter into the academic profession, are most probably familiar with the phrase ‘publish or perish’. The need for academics to publish is integral to applications for jobs, promotion to permanent positions and to obtain research funding. Publishing peer-reviewed journal articles are a key part of…>
Getting Your First Book Contract
The publication of an academic book, especially a monograph, is still regarded as the ‘gold standard’ in British academia, especially in the humanities.
Setting Up Placement Systems
The student experience lies at the heart of the modern UK university, with institutions vying to offer students the best in teaching and learning opportunities, research-driven expertise, top-of-the-range facilities, and excellent support services. But the one thing students really need in the competitive marketplace into which they will graduate is…>
Keeping Your Curriculum Current
Curriculum review is an essential tool for ensuring that the needs of a wide range of stakeholders in the teaching process are met. Students are, of course, the key stakeholders in the process, but others include employers, professional bodies, subject organizations, and even civic society at large. Curriculum review can…>
Preparing For A Visiting Fellowship Abroad
For emerging scholars who have worked in the university system for around 5-7 years, the option of applying for a visiting fellowship abroad can be particularly appealing. It will enable you to immerse yourself in a new culture, while also being able to devote more time to your research. The…>
Moving from Academic to Management Roles
5 Steps to Take In these days of change, credible voices are needed throughout the university sector. The barriers between academic and management jobs are far more permeable than they used to be, as universities continue to grow into highly complex environments requiring sophisticated and adaptable management skills. So if…>
Working as an Academic with the Commercial Sector
It’s a little-known fact that you don’t need to leave academia to work with the commercial sector. Universities these days are busy developing their outward-facing roles, and many have created business hubs that allow academics and corporate sectors to work together. This article considers a few of the ways in…>