Lens development Researcher

The Getting started in research lens on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework is informed by our experience Development
running the popular Vitae programme ‘Effective Researcher: getting started’ (www.vitae.ac.uk/effectiveresearcher) and
was developed through consultation with academic and professional researcher development colleagues in our Vitae
Framework
network, to create a common understanding of the knowledge, behaviours and attributes essential to making an
effective start in research.
Related advice and development materials are available on the Vitae website: www.vitae.ac.uk/rdflenses

Getting started in research lens

The participants of the Vitae Effective Researcher programme said... on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework

“My project looked a mammoth task, but when planned well, it looks manageable” Purpose of this lens
Overview
The Getting started in research lens on the Vitae Researcher Development
“You should take time out to get creativity going and get new ideas” The Vitae Researcher Development Framework is for those in the first few months of their doctoral research. The
Framework (RDF) underpins a major Vitae Researcher Development Framework offers a comprehensive view of
approach to developing world-class a successful researcher. It can be used to review development needs and
“Having realised I like to focus on detail, I have started thinking more about the bigger picture in my research” researchers. The framework has been progress for all researchers as they move forward in their careers. This lens
developed by and for researchers focuses on the knowledge, behaviours and attributes required to start out in
“Having a proper plan with a schedule and milestones has made it easier to communicate with my supervisors” working in higher education as an research and to begin developing as a researcher.
aid to planning, promoting and
enhancing professional and career
“The PhD is MY project and I am the driving force”
development. It articulates the How to use the Getting started in research lens
knowledge, behaviours and attributes Researchers starting their doctorate may wish to use this lens to:
of successful researchers and
n Consider the knowledge, behaviours and attributes essential to a
encourages all researchers to realise
successful start in doctoral research
their potential.
n Select areas where they may need to develop in order to become an
This is one of a series of lenses on the
effective researcher
Researcher Development Framework.
n inform progress and professional development reviews and training and
For further information about development choices
the Researcher Development
Supervisors and researcher development professionals may wish to use the
Framework visit www.vitae.ac.uk/rdf
lens:
Find out more about lenses on the
n As a basis for initial reviews of development needs
Researcher Development Framework
at www.vitae.ac.uk/rdflenses n To inform induction programmes for new doctoral researchers

You may wish to adapt the lens to suit local circumstances, for example if
“This part of doctoral study is so new doctoral candidates are encouraged to teach.
important, because it is about
selling your ideas and convincing
people that there is a gap for your
research”
Max Robinson
To protect and maintain the integrity of the Vitae Researcher (electronics/3D imaging)
Development Framework and the Researcher Development
Statement (RDS)1 and to ensure a consistent approach to
the development of lenses on the RDF, anyone wishing to
create a lens on the RDF should seek permission from Vitae, Vitae is led and managed by CRAC: The Career Development Organisation
and must adhere to the RDF conditions of use2. Enquiries and supported by Research Councils UK (RCUK) and UK HE funding bodies
regarding the development of a lens on the RDF can be
directed to [email protected]
For further information about the range of Vitae activities go
to www.vitae.ac.uk or contact [email protected]

www.vitae.ac.uk/rds
1

www.vitae.ac.uk/rdfconditionsofuse
2
 Researcher
Getting started in research Development
A lens on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework Framework

Behaviour: Knowledge of:

n Actively works in an inclusive, respectful and constructive way n The area of research, the advances within it and its relationships
with colleagues, stakeholders and research users with other research areas
n Recognises and acknowledges the contribution of others and own n Sources of information, bibliographic software and other
part in team success information technologies
n Builds relationships in academic and commercial contexts; Behaviour:
approachable and interacts constructively with others; manages Collegiality Subject knowledge n Conducts effective and comprehensive information searches
expectations and resolves conflict Team working Research methods: theoretical knowledge n Records, manages and handles information/data using appropriate
Attitude: People management Research methods: practical application bibliographic software and other information technologies
n Respects the inclusive and collegial manner in which researchers Supervision Information seeking
conduct relationships within and beyond academia Mentoring Information literacy and management
n Respects individual difference and diversity Influence and leadership
Collaboration Behaviour:
Equality and diversity n Thinks originally, independently and
critically; develops theoretical concepts
ers Kno
h oth wled n Recognises and validates problems;
ing wit ge b
Knowledge of: Work
(D1) (A1) ase Analysing formulates and applies solutions to a
n Appropriate communication and dissemination Communication methods Synthesising range of research problems

on nd

C
mechanisms for different audiences Communication media

2) ati a
Critical thinking

og
(D in tion

ni (A
Behaviour: Publication Evaluating

tiv 2
em ca

e )
ss ni
n Communicates effectively in both written and oral modes Problem solving

ab
di mu

ili
with a range of audiences formally and informally

om

tie
s
through a variety of different techniques and media

C
Teaching Inquiring mind
Public engagement Engagement, Knowledge and Attitude:

impa t
Intellectual insight

en

Crea )
(D3) ct
Enterprise influence and impact intellectual abilities Innovation
n Takes a creative, imaginative and

gem
The knowledge and skills to The knowledge, intellectual inquiring approach to research

(A3
Policy

tivity
Attitude: work with others and ensure abilities and techniques Argument construction

Enga
Society and culture n Is open to new sources of ideas

and
the wider impact of research. to do research. Intellectual risk
n Recognises the importance of accountability of
Global citizenship
research with regard to social and economic Domain D Domain A
impacts, internationalisation and global citizenship
Health and safety

(B1) lities
Domain C Domain B
Enthusiasm
Prof duct
Ethics, principles and
Attitude:

qua
Research governance Personal Perseverance
con )

sustainability
essio

n Approaches research with enthusiasm,

(C1

Legal requirements and organisation effectiveness Integrity

onal
IPR and copyright The knowledge of the The personal qualities and Self-confidence passion and confidence
nal

Pers
Knowledge of: Respect and confidentiality standards, requirements approach to be an effective Self-reflection n Is self-reflective; seeks ways to improve
n Health and safety issues, confidentiality and Attribution and co-authorship and professionalism to do researcher. Responsibility performance and strives for research
ethical requirements of his/her research field research. excellence
Appropriate practice

t
en
n Is pro-active, independent, self-reliant and
Re nag C2)
m

2) em
Preparation and prioritisation
se em
a (

takes responsibility for self and others

(B ag
ar e

Research strategy Commitment to research

an
ch nt

m
Project planning and delivery Time management

lf-
Se
Risk management Fina d Responsiveness to change
nce, al an
and fun s sion pment Work-life balance
reso ding fe
Pro develo
ur
Knowledge of: (C3) ces care
er
(B3) Behaviour:
n Project management tools and techniques
n Plans, prioritises and conducts
Income and funding generation research in proactive way
Career management
Financial management n Delivers research projects and
Continuing professional development
results on time and effectively
Infrastructure and resources Responsiveness to opportunities
Networking
Reputation and esteem

Behaviour:
n Takes ownership of and manages professional development
n Actively networks for professional and career purposes and
seeks to enhance research reputation and esteem

Vitae, © 2013 Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited. To ensure that this is the latest version of this document please go to www.vitae.ac.uk/rdf For conditions of use please refer to www.vitae.ac.uk/rdfconditionsofuse