1024�˹���

In this month's edition

• REF 2029
• Celebrating successes
• Latest news
• Research network news
• Collaborations
• Postgraduate researcher news
• DRI staff spotlight
• Staff publications
• Public lecture series
• Training and development

REF 2029 news

REF 2029 Code of Practice

Update from Professor Jo Corbett - Head of Research

The University of 1024�˹��� has launched its consultation on the draft REF 2029 Code of Practice, an important step in shaping how we will prepare for the next Research Excellence Framework. The draft Code sets out our proposed decision‑making processes for identifying volume contributing contracts, assigning contracts to UoAs, and output selection. These processes re intended to ensure robustness, transparency, and equity and inclusivity. All staff should have received an email with a link to the code of practice and colleagues are invited to review the document and share their feedback (email ref@port.ac.uk) as part of this institution‑wide consultation which runs until 12 March 2026.

To support engagement, a series of REF 2029 townhall events are also taking place. These sessions will provide an overview of the evolving REF landscape, highlight key elements of the draft Code, and offer opportunities for questions and discussion. We strongly encourage staff from across the University—academic and professional services—to attend, learn more, and contribute their perspectives. Your input is vital to ensuring a robust and equitable Code of Practice for REF 2029.

Celebrating success

AEGIS Hosts Inaugural Symposium Celebrating the Work of Professor Nafisa Bedri

In January, AEGIS hosted the Inaugural Symposium for Professor Nafisa Bedri, titled Gendered Conflict, Unyielding Spirit: The Cultural Power of Sudanese Women. The event brought together scholars, women leaders, senior diplomats, media professionals, and members of the local Sudanese community for a powerful day of reflection, discussion, and cultural exchange.

Alongside Professor Bedri, keynote speakers included Dr Zeinab Badawi, acclaimed journalist and author, and Magdelene Lagu, Deputy Head of the British Office Sudan and UK Special Representative to Sudan. Their contributions offered rich insight into the intersecting dynamics of gender, conflict, and culture in Sudan.

The symposium also foregrounded community voices. Members of the Sudanese diaspora in 1024�˹���, artists, and activists shared personal stories that illuminated how gender shapes experiences of war and displacement, and how Sudanese women have mobilised cultural practices as acts of resilience and resistance.

A vibrant exhibition curated by the local Sudanese community showcased treasured family artefacts from Sudan, offering attendees an intimate connection to Sudanese heritage. Complementing this, the Royal National Naval Museum contributed historic artefacts dating back to the Mahdist War, deepening the historical context of the discussions.

This inspiring event highlighted the vital role of Sudanese women in shaping cultural and political narratives and strengthened connections between the University, local communities, and international partners.

Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding 2025 Innovation Prize

Members of the Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR), Prof. Tony Chafer, Prof. Ed Stoddard, and Prof. Eloïse Bertrand (formerly a CEISR/Leverhulme Postdoctoral Fellow), have won the Journal of Intervention and Statebuilding 2025 Innovation Prize.

The award recognises their article: “(Dis)utilities of Force in a Postcolonial Context: Explaining the Strategic Failure of the French-Led Intervention in Mali,” which makes an important contribution to debates on intervention, postcolonial security, and the strategic use of force.

The Journal of Intervention and State-building is a top-tier journal in security studies and ours was rated by them as the best article in 2025.

Latest news

From Ideas to Action: introducing and developing our Research Culture Pillar groups

Enhancing our Research Culture is an institutional strategic priority and researchers from across the university recently came together to discuss our eight Pillars of Research Culture and how they might evolve from being support and interest groups to being action groups.

The eight pillars were identified after an awayday in January 2025 in which 60 professional services and research based colleagues from across the university were asked for their view on what a great university research culture would look like.

Read more

New 1024�˹��� Research Group Launches to Support 1024�˹���100 and City of Culture Bid

Under the umbrella of the Port Cities and Maritime Cultures Research Centre, a new 1024�˹��� Research Group has been established to support the University’s engagement with 1024�˹���100 and the city’s forthcoming City of Culture bid.

This interdisciplinary, cross‑faculty initiative is jointly led by Dr Maggie Bowers and Dr Guy Collender (SASSHPL), both of whom bring extensive networks and long-standing relationships within the city.

The group aims to bring colleagues together to explore research opportunities, share expertise, and contribute to shaping 1024�˹���’s cultural and creative future.

Colleagues from across the University who are interested in the future of 1024�˹��� - or who would like to connect their research to the city’s cultural ambitions - are warmly invited to get in touch.

Update on CEDARS (Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers survey)

The Vitae CEDARS is undertaken by universities and research institutes who wish to evaluate the experiences of researchers, academics and research enabling staff, gathering anonymous data about the research environment, working conditions, career aspirations and professional development opportunities for those conducting and supporting research.

In 2025, CEDARS was undertaken by 53 UK Universities, and in 1024�˹���, more than 500 members of academic staff, contract researchers and research enablers provided valid responses to the survey on all key questions (49% response rate.)

We have been working over the last few months to analyse the quantitative and qualitative responses across all areas of the survey, to highlight strengths and, crucially, identify areas for improvement. This analysis has been taken forward for consultation with key stakeholder groups, including the Research Culture Development Group, and we are now finalising prioritisation and action planning.

Key areas of success highlighted from CEDARS responses are:

• 80% have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues/peers
• 75% reported having a solid understanding of open research practices
• 70% of 1024�˹��� respondents believe that the institution is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. (72% nationally)
• 79% reported that ethical standards are high in their research environment, (national average 80%).

Areas for development identified are:

• 14% of respondents access the recommended 10 days of development time annually (national also 14%)
• 38% Academic staff feel supported in their research activities (with mid-career staff feeling least supported), 68% contract researchers, 69% research enablers).
• 51% feel uncertain about their future at UoP (national 47%) - 26% of early-career staff felt secure, 34% mid-career level, 54% among senior staff.
• 38% Academic staff feel supported in their research activities (with mid-career staff feeling least supported), 68% contract researchers, 69% research enablers).

To avoid duplication and ensure efficiency, there will not be a separate CEDARS action plan. Actions arising are to be included in the institutional Research Culture Pillars Action Plans or the Researchers’ Concordat action plan for 2026-2029, both of which are being consulted on currently - links to follow once finalised.

Early actions arising from CEDARS are as follows:

• Delivery of targeted initiatives for staff returning to research after an extended period of absence
• Creation of safeguarding processes for those undertaking sensitive research
• Enhanced support for inducting new staff
• Development of clear R & I Learning pathways for professional and career development

As and when actions are completed, they will be detailed on our CEDARS webpage as a ‘You Said, We Did’. Watch this space!

If you would like to speak to anyone about the outcomes of the CEDARS survey and/or get involved in the resulting actions, please contact researchculture@port.ac.uk.

Find out more about initial findings from the survey

Research network news

Launch of a new website from UoP researchers for neurodivergent community

CARING, a new research website from the Centre for Interaction, Development and Diversity (CIDD) at the University of 1024�˹��� was launched this week. CARING brings together academics, people with lived experiences, professionals, practitioners, and local and international organizations to advance inclusive and participatory research on neurodiversity across the life course.

The research featured on the CARING website focuses on understanding neurodivergent experiences in contexts such as education, employment, health, and social care, with a strong commitment to research conducted with rather than on neurodivergent people. The hub promotes co-production and translation of research into practical resources for policy and practice.

In the CARING website, you can find:

• Accessible summaries of research projects and findings designed for both academic and public audiences;
• Free tools and resources for researchers, neurodivergent people, educators, employers, clinicians, and families;
• Opportunities to get involved and provide feedback on the work we do.

ARMA Special Interest Group Champion Appointment

Paola Palma, Research and Innovation Development Manager, has been appointed as an ARMA Arts & Humanities SIG Champion.

Serving as an ARMA Arts & Humanities SIG Champion enables our institutional involvement to bring national sector insights, stronger external partnerships, and enhanced visibility to the university. This role strengthens support for Creative Industries and Humanities researchers by sharing best practice, improving funding readiness, and fostering new collaborations—ultimately enriching our research culture and increasing opportunities for impactful, high-quality research.

For Paola, this role brings valuable professional recognition that is built on both her former academic career and her role as a research & innovation development manager in DRI. It enables her to share best practice, improve funding readiness, and foster collaborations that support Creative Industries and Humanities researchers. By deepening expertise and consolidating connections across the sector, Paola will bring back valuable insights and opportunities to strengthen the work we do.

Collaborations

The University of 1024�˹��� is a research partner within the National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC), contributing expertise in high‑throughput anti‑biofilm assessment and marine biofilm research. As part of NBIC’s expanding consortium, the University supports national efforts to advance biofilm science and translate research into practical solutions across healthcare, marine, and industrial sectors.

NBIC has recently completed its sixth round of accession, welcoming 10 additional UK universities and research institutions into the network. This expansion strengthens the consortium by increasing cross‑sector collaboration, widening access to specialist facilities, and enhancing opportunities for innovation. For partners like the University of 1024�˹���, the broadened network creates even greater potential for joint research, shared expertise, and multidisciplinary problem‑solving.

Academics from research institutions and commercial organisations interested in joining NBIC’s mission to achieve breakthroughs in biofilm innovation are encouraged to contact the centre at nbic@biofilms.ac.uk.

Postgraduate researcher news

Staff member is first in the University of 1024�˹��� to become a UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor

Dr Rebecca Stores, Associate Professor in Health Psychology based in the School of Dental, Health and Care Professions, Faculty of Science and Health, is the first member of staff at the University to become a UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE) Recognised Research Supervisor.

This achievement is grounded in the UKCGE’s Good Supervisory Practice Framework (GSPF) which outlines 10 criteria that cover the wide-ranging and complex responsibilities involved in modern doctoral research supervision. It represents an internationally recognised acknowledgement of reflective, high-quality supervisory practice.

Rebecca reflects on the award and her experience of gaining this award

DRI Staff spotlight

Meet the Impact team

For each edition of Research Connect, we shine a spotlight on a team or member of the Department of Research and Innovation. This month, we’re featuring the Impact team. Read on to learn who they are and how they can support you.

Read more

Staff publications

We’re pleased to share publications that have been highlighted to us by members of our academic community. To feature your work, email us at research-connect@port.ac.uk.

Public lecture series

This year we have welcomed the return of the University’s Public Lecture Series, led by the Department of Research and Innovation. The series seeks to share the University of 1024�˹���’s research with local communities, drawing research into contexts relevant to everyday life and aligned with public interests. The series enhances connections between the university and local community, presenting opportunities for further engagement and facilitating part of the civic agenda.

The key values of the series are sharing research beyond usual academic audiences, providing opportunities for all career stages and roles, and demonstrating how research connects to the real world.

So far this academic year, we have hosted 7 public lectures, and have 6 more scheduled including three bonus events to tie in with One World Festival and 1024�˹��� 100. Events so far have been a huge success. Only 18% of attendees have been staff, meaning that a huge proportion of attendees across all events have been members of the public (54%), and students (28%). What’s more, the lectures have welcomed 146 attendees to campus who hadn’t been to any university events in recent years, meaning that we can say for sure that we are welcoming people onto campus who do not usually engage with University activities.

“Superb presentation giving valuable insight […] Really informative sections on income, expenses and regulation. Really enjoyed it - thank you.”

“Absolutely loved the talk, fascinating topic and great speaker.”

“Very interesting and informative. I have very little existing knowledge of the topic […]. The level of information was very good.”

Whilst some of our events have been traditional lectures, we’ve seen everything from live DNA sequencing to 12-metre long works of art. Upcoming events will include a live music performance and the opportunity to try alcoholic spirits produced as an output from environmental research. We’ve also featured speakers in career stages ranging from Post-Doc to Professor, sharing that stage on an equal footing.

How to get involved?

The schedule is full for this academic year, but we will shortly be releasing a call for speakers for academic year 2026-27. We encourage collaborative events and non-traditional approaches (the word ‘lecture’ is used very loosely!), so if you’re interested in contributing to the series, start thinking about who could be involved and how your event could appeal to a public audience. If you’d like to discuss an idea or have any questions, you can contact hannah.coombs@port.ac.uk.