Navigating the Changing Landscape of Higher Education: a Pathway for Researchers

This is a Pathfinder Expert Voices post, by guest blogger Dr Robin Henderson, a Higher Education Consultant, Trainer, Facilitator and Coach.

As a self-professed higher education (HE) geek, I find myself constantly immersed in the interplay between policy and practice, which shapes my work and influences my perspective. From the intricate details of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) to the evolving focus on research culture, freedom of speech legislation, and funding models, I’m intrigued by how these elements impact the higher education landscape at both the institutional and individual levels. Surprisingly, many researchers remain unaware of these broader dynamics, including the funding landscape and potential future sector-wide changes, and fail to grasp their implications for their own careers.

During workshops with researchers, I often pose the questions of why the REF holds such importance for universities and how it directly affects the daily lives of researchers. The typical responses revolve around “money” and “reputation,” but beyond that, the understanding becomes hazy, particularly regarding the REF’s direct impact on researchers. To shed light on this matter, it is useful to note that the results of the REF shape approximately £2.5 billion in funding to UK universities each year (funding allocations for England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) enabling universities to make decisions about research including supporting research time for staff, funding fellowships schemes, development of facilities and resources and a broad range of other activities.

Visualizing the career map

Why does this awareness of the broader research environment matter for researchers, and how does it influence their career planning and development, both within and beyond academia?

For visualizing career as a pathway with numerous choices, it is useful to have a map to guide the researcher. While a detailed map suffices for shorter career journeys, such as securing the next position in a similar role, a broader map reveals what is essential in the overall direction of travel – especially for longer journeys that extend beyond the boundaries of the familiar. This enables us to answer questions such as:

• Is the destination somewhere I want to travel to – looking beyond what the glossy travel brochure portrays the destination as.
• What skills and capabilities will I need for this longer journey?
• What resources and support will be needed along the way?

To add complexity to the map-making process, this broader map is constantly evolving, necessitating the acquisition of skills and resources to update both the detailed next steps and the wider map.

To begin building and developing these wider maps, a logical starting point is to explore any training and development opportunities offered by your institution. Many institutions provide courses on topics such as career strategy development and introduction to the research funding landscape.

Additionally, adopting a curious and proactive approach to exploring the changing landscape proves beneficial. For researchers envisioning their career trajectory within UK higher education, the following resources can be valuable as a starting point for broader map making:

• WonkHE focuses on HE policy in the UK, featuring a weekly podcast covering core sector events.
• Understanding Finance offers a comprehensive introduction to university finances.
• Strategic plans published by universities: Reading plans from diverse institutions provides insights into the sector’s breadth. The current University of Glasgow Strategic Plan can be accessed here.
• Funders’ strategic plans: For example, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provides strategic plans indicating future areas of support.
• Research Professional News (accessible to staff and students at the University of Glasgow) provides a broad range of perspectives on the research landscape.

For those considering careers beyond academia, a similar approach can be taken, tailoring resources to the desired career direction. When I contemplated a shift to the energy sector, I adapted my map-making process to include resources from various organizations in that field, including sector representative bodies (for the broader map) and through attendance at more commercially-focussed conferences.

Another valuable avenue for understanding the landscape is through mentoring, as discussed in detail in a previous Auditorium blog. Personally, early in my career I owed much of my understanding of the higher education landscape to two mentors – one from professional services and the other an academic – at the university where I worked.

Making decisions with the career map

Understanding the broad landscape is not merely about creating a map; it involves effective decision-making and choosing the best available options, even if there is no perfect option. As you delve deeper into the details of your maps, it’s crucial to continuously ask yourself a few important questions:

• What opportunities arise from this new information? By exploring the insights gained, you can identify potential opportunities that align with your values, goals and aspirations.
• Is the opportunity worth further exploration? Evaluate whether the emerging opportunity is something you genuinely wish or need to pursue. For additional guidance on decision-making, I recommend checking out this blog post on the Future Leaders Fellows Development Network website.
• What risks accompany this new information, and how can I mitigate them?

Regardless of your approach, it is crucial to look beyond immediate circumstances, comprehend the broader environment, and keep your focus not only on what’s directly in front of you but also on the bigger picture. This mindset will foster your career development, sometimes leading to unexpected opportunities (refer to the Pathfinder Career Narratives series for examples) and enhance your understanding of decisions that impact both your current and future roles.

If you are a Principal Investigator (PI) or PhD supervisor, one of your crucial roles is to support your research team in their career development. Beyond their immediate research focus, it is essential to help them explore broader landscapes and potential long-term career opportunities. Some effective strategies to achieve this goal include:

• Cultivate mentorship opportunities: Encourage researchers to seek mentors both within and outside academia. A trusted mentor can provide valuable insights and guidance that go beyond what a PhD supervisor or PI can offer, including offering an independent viewpoint.
• Support attendance at diverse events: Facilitate opportunities for researchers to attend events that broaden their horizons. These could be internal training courses like Research Crucibles, or external conferences with policy or commercial focus.
• Role model engagement with the broader research environment: Lead by example by showcasing your interest in the world beyond your research focus. Engage your researchers in discussions about funders’ expectations, the evolving research culture, and the criteria for career progression as a researcher. Keeping them informed about the direction of research in your field will allow them to make informed decisions about their own career paths.
• Encourage involvement in university-wide initiatives: Encourage researchers to engage with university-wide initiatives and collaborate with professionals from various disciplines – both as a route to developing skills but also a view of the broader higher education landscape.