Get Involved

Individual surveys now live, click the link above to help us understand how you, as a research professional, identify your role.
We are seeking volunteers with a range of research professional roles and backgrounds to take part in interviews and/or focus groups, as part of the Research Professional Futures project
RPF Institutional Surveys

Institutional surveys launching soon 鈥� gathering data on research professional communities and roles within UK institutions.

Join the Research Professional Futures Community

The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project is transforming how research is supported and delivered across the UK. We want to work with everyone whose expertise shapes the research ecosystem - from Research Professionals (RPs) to institutions, funders, and collaborative teams.

Stay informed about opportunities to contribute and receive project updates:

Upcoming RPF Events

Fri 18 Sept '26

Wed 23 Sept '26

RPF at IRCC 2026

Ways to Get Involved

For Research Professionals (RPs)

RPs are central to this project. We need your insights to build an accurate picture of the workforce and shape future frameworks developed across our work packages.

You can:

Take part in national surveys and focus groups, contributing to WP1 evidence gathering
Join workshops co鈥慶reating the RP Professional Development Framework under WP2
Contribute to pilot activities and new initiatives explored in WP3 (e.g., shared services, AI integration)
Share your story through case studies
Help shape long鈥憈erm cultural change feeding into the RP Blueprint in WP4

Your expertise is vital to meaningful change in research culture.

Current Calls to Action:

For Institutions Employing RPs

Universities and research organisations play a crucial role in shaping the environment that supports RP careers.

Institutions can:

Support participation in the institutional surveys
Contribute examples of local frameworks, policies, and emerging practices
Collaborate on WP3 pilots to test innovative models
Engage with sector鈥憌ide culture work informing the RP Blueprint
Host or join regional engagement activities

Your organisational insight will help us build sustainable, future鈥憆eady RP teams.

For People Working in Teams with RPs

Research is a team effort. Those working alongside RPs: academics, PIs, project managers, technicians, administrators, compliance leads, have a unique view of how RP expertise enhances research.

You can support the project by:

Contributing evidence on teamwork, efficiency, and role complementarity
Participating in interviews or case studies for WP1 qualitative data
Sharing practical examples of collaboration that support better research outcomes

Your perspective helps us understand system鈥憌ide needs.

For Funders

Funders have a significant influence on how RP roles evolve and are recognised.

You can:

Provide insights into funding models affecting RP structures
Promote evidence鈥慻athering across your communities
Support recommendations emerging from the RPF National Commission
Contribute to sector鈥憀evel discussion on research culture

Your participation strengthens the alignment between funding frameworks and RP workforce needs.

Latest RPF Activity

Welcome to the inaugural Research Professional Futures newsletter!

Over the coming months, we'll use this newsletter to share project updates, celebrate milestones, highlight opportunities to get involved, and keep you informed about emerging insights from across the sector.

In this edition, you'll find:

A project overview
Opportunities to get involved
Highlights since the project launch
A look ahead at what's coming up next

Tags: RPF newsletter

RPF at ARMA 2026

Research Professional Futures made a successful debut at ARMA 2026, where we had the opportunity to share the project's aims, progress, and ambitions with the research management and administration community.

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The Research Professional Futures (RPF) project has recently been featured on the Research Adjacent podcast, offering a valuable opportunity to share the vision and ambitions of the programme with a wider audience.

Tags: WP1 WP2 WP4 WP3 RPF

Research Professional Futures Engages Research Administrators at Cardiff University

Research Professional Futures (RPF) was delighted to join colleagues at Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd for the Research Administrators Forum, bringing together research professionals from across the institution for a highly engaging and interactive session.

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Stay Connected and Get Involved

Our will be the best place to follow project updates and sector insights.

We are also gathering personal stories from Research Professionals across the sector. If you鈥檇 like to share your experience, challenges, or career journey, get in touch - your story can help shape how the sector understands and values RP roles.

Ready to explore the work you can get involved in? Visit Our Approach to see everything currently underway. Want to contribute to the project, participate in events, or stay informed about engagement opportunities?