Research practice development

Championing researcher careers

The University is committed to supporting researcher careers and helping our staff to develop crucial skills, improve their networks and navigate the unique challenges of a research-focused career. As well as being a signatory to the Researcher Development Concordat, Bristol offers an array of innovative workshops, programmes, networks and resources to support our researchers, academic and professional services staff who undertake and/ or enable research, further information is available on the People Development SharePoint site.

Bristol Clear development hub

Much of our offer to research staff is operated via Bristol Clear, a development hub specifically aiming to support research staff to thrive in and develop their careers.

Research practice development opportunities

• Workshops and programmes: on topics such as Communicating and Collaborating, Networking, Writing and Publishing. We also operate Research in practice, a comprehensive research skills development programme mapped to the research project life cycle.  
• Mentoring schemes and networks: join researcher-focused peer networks or mentoring schemes to learn new skills, discuss your career aspirations and enhance your professional network. 
• Career coaching: researchers and academics on fixed-term funding can book a Career management 1:1 appointment or access specialist career coaching session to help you navigate the unique challenges of a career in research. 
• Resources and toolkits: including a Networking guide for researchers, the Research career planner and the Inclusive Research toolkit. They can all be accessed via Develop, the University's staff learning platform.