Research Careers

The Roberts' Review stemmed from the Government's concern that the supply of high quality scientists and engineers should not constrain the UK's future research and development and innovation performance. In its strategy for science, 'Investing in Innovation', the Government made a commitment to implement measures that were based on the recommendations made in the Roberts' Review. The measures are being implemented by the Research Councils on behalf of DIUS. The RCUK Research Careers and Diversity unit was created in 2005: It aims to ensure that that the best potential researchers are attracted into research careers and to help universities improve the quality of their research training; improve the employability of early stage researchers; and improve diversity within the research workforce at all levels and in the governance of research.

The Research Councils are investing over £15 million in line with their commitment to 'enhancing the quality and output of the UK research base through training the next generation of world-class researchers'. In order to meet this challenge they are broadening the remit for the existing UK GRAD Programme to create a new researcher development programme, known as VITAE.

Vitae (www.vitae.ac.uk) was launched in June 2008. Building on the UKGrad programme, it is the first national organisation to champion the professional and career development of both doctoral researchers and research staff in universities and research institutes. Vitae's vision is for the UK to be world-class in supporting the professional development of researchers and researcher careers. It will provide resources, advice, information and fora for individual doctoral researchers and members of research staff who are interested in their professional development and careers.

Vitae will also implement the revised Research Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers also launched by RCUK and a number of partners in the UK Research Community including Universities UK. The Concordat sets out a vision of working practices, roles and responsibilities to further the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers, and to ensure the contintued provision of well-trained, talented and motivated researchers.