A bold new initiative to reshape how research is delivered across the UK has been awarded £4.5 million from the Research England Development (RED) Fund – and Research Consulting is proud to be playing a part in its delivery.
The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project, led collectively by Teesside University, Durham University, Imperial College London and the University of Warwick, will deliver a sector-wide transformation in how research is supported, structured and sustained. Research professionals are the specialist staff who play a vital role in delivering high-quality, ethical and impactful research – from research development and strategy to public engagement, knowledge exchange and research culture.
The project begins in January 2026 and will run until December 2029. Its impact will continue through an open-access digital platform, hosted by ARMA, and a national community of practice to sustain meaningful change.
Our role in the project
Research Consulting has been selected as a delivery partner, working alongside the University of Oxford, to provide the research and evaluation expertise underpinning this ambitious four-year programme.
Drawing on our experience in conducting stakeholder surveys and cross-sector benchmarking, alongside the evaluation of projects and pilot initiatives, we will contribute to the programme’s four objectives, which are to:
- Audit and analyse the current landscape of research professional roles and develop a shared vision for their future
- Develop and implement the first unifying, sector-wide framework of core skills, behaviours and career pathways
- Pilot new institutional and regional initiatives that enhance and futureproof research professional roles
- Co-create a practical, strategic blueprint to embed lasting change
Rob Johnson, Managing Director of Research Consulting, commented: “This is exactly the kind of sector-wide transformation that requires robust evidence and rigorous evaluation. Research professionals play a vital role in UK research excellence, yet their roles have historically lacked visibility and clear career pathways. We’re delighted to bring our expertise in mixed-methods research and evaluation to support this vital initiative.”
Why this matters
The UK research landscape has evolved rapidly over the past two decades, with growing requirements around research assessment, full economic costing, open access, research culture and more recently environmental sustainability and export control. Each has expanded the scope of research professional roles.
However, these contributions have not always been fully recognised in national policy. The RPF project will provide clarity to research professionals who see themselves as part of ‘team research’ but have lacked clear professional identities and pathways. It will offer institutions practical guidance on developing and sustaining a skilled, motivated workforce ready to meet evolving demands.
A collaborative approach
The RPF project will be professionally led and research-informed, with research professionals leading each work package. A Commission chaired by Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, brings together diverse stakeholders from across the research system.
More than 750 people and 75 organisations will take part in interviews, surveys and focus group sessions, with results enabling institutions to develop and sustain a skilled and motivated workforce prepared to meet evolving research demands.
Building on our track record
This project builds on Research Consulting’s extensive experience working with research professionals and their institutions. Our previous work includes:
- Our recent Researcher Development Study, conducted in partnership with Vitae across 14 UK and Australian universities, exploring strategies, structures, resourcing and delivery challenges.
- Studies of the Value, contribution and role of ‘research enablers’ and the role of Technical Staff in Knowledge Exchange, completed on behalf of Midlands Innovation.
- Research Contracts Benchmarking 2023, which analysed data from 24 universities managing over 22,000 contracts annually, revealing both opportunities and practical foundations for collaboration.
- The 2020 ARMA Research Office Survey, which provided sector-wide insights into research management and administration, securing responses from one-third of UK HEIs.
- Reviews of research culture and organisational structures for research and knowledge exchange across universities in the UK.
- Numerous professional development and capacity-building evaluations for research funders.
We’re excited to contribute our expertise to this transformational programme. Research professionals deserve recognition, clear career pathways and the support to thrive. The RPF project will help make that a reality across the UK.
