Castles and Coprolites

Have you come across the term Research Culture? This refers to the values, behaviours, and working practices that shape how research is done and experienced. It includes things like collaboration, fairness, recognition, support for career development, and how inclusive and respectful the research environment is. A positive research culture helps everyone involved in research to thrive and do their best work. I’m delighted to be joining the Research Culture Committee at Durham University, as representative of the Faculty of Social Sciences. I genuinely believe that a positive research culture improves the quality of our research, but also the wellbeing, recognition, and development of everyone involved in the research process. Durham’s Flourish@Durham initiative, is leading the way in creating a research environment that is fair, transparent, and inclusive. This means valuing the how as much as the what, ensuring that Durham's research strategy is delivered with care for the people...

Hello blogging friends, and apologies yet again for the lack of updates. Did I mention that I was on sabbatical at the moment? You would think this would mean more time to do blogging, but in fact it has been a whirlwind of catch up for the NERC and Wellcome Trust projects, both of which have gone amazingly well and have produced some really exciting results. So I've been busy working with the team to start writing up results, presenting at conferences, and crucially, applying for more grants to keep the research going (and keep everyone employed...). Tangentially related to this is some good news - firstly, I passed my 2 year probation period at Newcastle (I've been here 2 years and 7 months now), and in the same week, I also found out I am being promoted to Senior Lecturer. Hurray! I think the 2 grants went a long way towards getting that promotion. And this is where luck yet again plays a role in an academic career, even after getting over the many hurdles it takes to actua...