In September 2023, we launched our Vision for a great science culture, which set out the behaviours and values that are essential to create a positive science culture, for the benefit of science itself and everyone taking part.
A positive culture is essential to creating an enabling community and supporting quality science. It comprises good scientific practice, support for wellbeing and development, and maximum participation in science and innovation. It’s rigorous, ethical and responsible, safe and supportive, inclusive and accessible, and open and collaborative.
Now that we have set out our vision, the next step is to create spaces for challenging conversations where everyone has the opportunity to discuss the various barriers and tensions that can hamper the pursuit of a great science culture.
We’ve identified five key areas for discussion, and throughout the first half of 2024 we will be holding a series of interactive, facilitated, online panel discussions on each of these topics.
Submit your questions and comments NOW for our first session "Can a commitment to improving science culture impact your career prospects?", which is taking place at 4pm UK time on 14 February.
You can also see others' questions and upvote your favourites.
Session schedule
| Session | Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 14 February 2024 | Can a commitment to improving science culture impact your career prospects? |
| Session 2 | 13 March 2024 | How can an academic leader also be a great manager? |
| Session 3 | 17 April 2024 | How do we find a work-life balance in an academic career? |
| Session 4 | 19 June 2024 | Do recognition practices interfere with science culture values? |
| Session 5 | 17 July 2024 | Title TBC (open access related) |
How will it work?
- For each topic we have invited 3-4 guest panellists from a range of backgrounds and career stages, to give their perspectives on the topic at hand.
- Experienced science communicator, nanochemist Dr Suze Kundu, will lead the panel discussions.
- You’ll have the opportunity to submit questions and comments from one week ahead of the panel discussion, and during the discussion itself. You can do so anonymously. You’ll also have the opportunity to upvote others' questions and comments.
- The panel discussions will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel and on our LinkedIn page. You’ll be able to find the Slido link to submit questions in either of those locations during the broadcast.
- Slido links will also appear on this page one week ahead of each discussion.
- Please be respectful when submitting your comments and questions.
- The recording of each discussion will be available immediately afterwards on our YouTube channel.
- You are encouraged to submit feedback on each discussion using the form below.
- If you need live captions, please watch the broadcast on LinkedIn, where automated live captions will be provided. Captions will also be available on the YouTube recording afterwards.
- If you have any questions or concerns ahead of the discussions, please submit these using the form below.
Session details
Session 1: Can a commitment to improving science culture impact your career prospects?
Watch this session on YouTube now
4pm UK time, 14 February 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Everyone involved in science should be active participants in establishing a positive science culture. However, all too often the commitment of time and resources to this endeavour can be seen as extra-curricular to someone’s role, rather than an integral part of it. In this session we explore the potential tensions between advancing in your career and focusing on improving aspects of science culture such as inclusion, ethics and more.
Confirmed panellists: Professor Candy Rowe, Dean of Research Culture and Strategy, Newcastle University; Dr Devin Swiner, Member, Board of Directors, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE); Professor Vasilios Stavros, Professor of Physical Chemistry, University of Birmingham; Dr Natércia das Neves Rodrigues Lopes, Junior Researcher, Instituto Superior Técnico
Session 2: How can an academic leader also be a great manager?
4pm UK time, 13 March 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Those who pursue a career in academia are normally expected to assume a management role at some point. But how well does a career in academia equip you to be a great manager who sets the scene for a great science culture? In this session we discuss management capability within academia, including the struggles and challenges of being manager, the support and training needed, and what those in academia should be able to expect of their managers.
Confirmed panellists: Professor Steve Howdle, University of Nottingham; Professor Christopher Jackson, Jacobs Engineering; Dr Dennis Sherwood, Silver Bullet; Professor Radha Boya, University of Manchester
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 7 March, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.
Session 3: How do we find a work-life balance in an academic career?
4pm UK time, 17 April 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Personal circumstances can affect us at work in a vast range of ways. Caring responsibilities, neurodivergence and disability, mental health, and the need to balance a range of priorities in our lives all have the potential to clash with our work schedules and responsibilities. In this session we explore the different ways in which our personal situations can impact on us at work and vice versa, and explore ways to find wellbeing and balance.
Panellists to be confirmed.
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 11 April, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.
Session 4: Do recognition practices interfere with science culture values?
4pm UK time, 19 June 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Recognition practices, such as prizes and awards, grants, and other forms of recognition, traditionally focus on academic achievement. In this session we talk about whether other contributions to the community - such as initiatives aimed at improving aspects of science culture - arebeing appropriately incentivised and recognised.
Confirmed panellists: Martin Farley (Green Labs); Joeri Tijdink (Amsterdam UMC)
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 13 June, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.
Session 5: Title TBC (open access related)
4pm UK time, 17 July 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 11 July, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.