All-Island Research Culture Network

The All-Island Research Culture Network was established in late 2023 by University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast, both of which have received Wellcome Institutional Funding for Research Culture. 

Network Purpose

UCD and QUB recognise that research culture depends not only on institutional factors but also the wider research ecosytem. 

Accordingly, the aim of the Network is to expand the impact of the work on Research Culture carried out at both institutions with other Higher Education Institutions and Research Performing Organisations across the island of Ireland.  

The diversity of institutions within the network, representing research structures from traditional to technological universities and research institutes, will promote peer learning from multiple perspectives. 

Network Members

Network Activities

Network meetings

Network meetings will facilitate sharing best practice and current developments in areas that impact  Research Culture.  Such areas will include Open Research, Research Assessment, Research Integrity, Responsible Use of Research Metrics, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Recognition of Team Contributions, and Wellbeing. 

Network meetings, involving designated research culture teams from participating          organisations, will be organised four times a year, alternating between hybrid and          in-person.

Sharing of Resources and Tools

The Network will provide information,  resources and tools for baseline assessment and benchmarking, allowing members to adopt or adapt the survey methodology and materials developed by UCD to their individual  requirements. It will also facilitate the sharing of the experience of different interventions, and provide toolkits and case studies.

Annual Conferences

The Network will host two Annual Conferences, one organised by UCD and one              by QUB.  This action will extend the conversation to include other  stakeholders                including   policy makers, funders, and publishers.  We will ensure diversity of                  speakers and panel members in respect of race, gender and other characteristics.

Network Structure

University College Dublin and Queen's University Belfast will co-lead the All-Island Research Culture Network for the duration of the Wellcome Institutional Funding for Research culture grants, until 2026.  Thereafter, it is anticipated that leadership will be passed to other Network members. 

A Network Coordination Group oversees the activities of the Network.  The Network Coordination Group is currently composed of the following organisations:

Get Involved 

Become a member

The All-Island Research Culture Network is open to new members with a shared interest in promoting a positive research culture.  

If you would like to find out more, or to join the Network, please contact Ruth O'Kelly at (opens in a new window)research.culture@ucd.ie  

Meetings and Events