Research Culture at Keele University

Research Consulting was commissioned by Keele University in October 2024 to conduct an independent review of its research culture. Working closely with the University’s research leadership, we designed and delivered a two-phase qualitative consultation process engaging 83 individuals drawn from across the institution, including academic staff at all career stages, postgraduate researchers, technical staff and professional services colleagues. The engagement spanned interviews and focus groups conducted between November 2024 and May 2025, with an interim report delivered to the University’s Research Committee at the midpoint to shape the focus of the second phase.

The approach was grounded in a well-established evidence base for what constitutes an excellent research culture, drawing on frameworks from Vitae, the Wellcome Trust and (at the time) the emerging REF 2029 People, Culture and Environment guidance. This enabled us to situate Keele’s experience within the broader sector context, giving the University both a clear analytical framework and a set of meaningful reference points.

The final report provided Keele with a comprehensive, evidence-based account of its research culture across five thematic areas, together with a set of actionable recommendations grouped under four strategic priorities. The work was designed to provide direct, practical input to the University’s newly established Research Culture Committee and to support informed, evidence-led decision-making at a challenging moment for the institution and the wider sector.