A collective commitment to building positive, fair, connected research communities
19 Feb 2026
Our researchers met with their peers from Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University to discuss research culture at this year’s Research Staff Conference - get the takeaways and other resources.
Our research community met with fellow researchers from Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) to discuss research culture – what is means and why it is essential – at this year’s Research Staff Conference.
In her opening remarks Vice-President for Research, Professor Colette Fagan reminded conference delegates that research culture isn’t a document or a policy — it’s the everyday behaviours, decisions and interactions that shape how we work. She described it as a “performance multiplier” – that is, when people feel recognised, respected and genuinely supported, research thrives.
Associate Vice-President for Research, Professor Melissa Westwood agreed, reaffirming the collective commitment to building research communities that are positive, fair and genuinely connected.
PhD student, Karabo Sibasa encouraged everyone to choose one action to carry forward — big or small. Based at the Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, Karabo is investigating the experiences of medical students during communication with patients as part of their medical training, with a focus on equity and improving the student experience.
Colette also linked research culture to the University’s Manchester 2035 vision: ambitious, inclusive research careers; clearer pathways; strong interdisciplinary collaboration; and a culture that turns strategy into actions.
Melissa and Research Culture Manager, Dr Cathal Rogers walked the conference through the Research Culture and Environment Framework and the funded projects already making a difference here at Manchester.
Colette spotlighted brilliant work happening across our partner institutions — Salford’s Researcher Development Academy, MMU’s Festival of Research and their focus on inclusion, creative excellence and public engagement.
What came through strongly was a shared ambition across Greater Manchester: to build communities where all researchers feel able to contribute and grow.
Find out more
To find out more about the conference, visit:
For further career and professional development resources for Research Staff, visit: