Research concordat

At the University of Brighton, we are proud of our research and knowledge exchange activity, which enriches our teaching, drives important partnerships and collaborations, and produces new knowledge and lasting positive change.

The results of REF 2021 recognised our institution for producing world-leading research that creates significant impact beyond academia. Our Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategic Plan 2022-2025 sets out our priorities and objectives, and includes an institutional priority to recognise, reward and nurture talent to enable our community to achieve their full potential in producing research and knowledge exchange. The Concordat implementation plan 2024-2027 sets out our next steps.

We will continue to focus on creating and promoting developmental opportunities for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) and postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) and celebrate their contributions. While we aim to support all research and knowledge exchange-active staff within our institution, we intend to make foundational change for research-only staff that will enable improved career prospects. In addition, we seek to improve induction for postdocs, encouraging them to engage in career reviews and our planned Postdoc Support Framework.We want to increase engagement by raising awareness of the Concordat, and to celebrate the role of researchers and ECRs within our wider community. In addition, we will build on our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion as we broaden our monitoring to include analysis of more protected characteristics and, review data for equality, diversity and inclusion in recruitment selection pilots and implement any recommendations.

We will continue to deliver an annual institutional Research and Knowledge Exchange Week to enhance our research culture and environment, to share new knowledge and skills as well as encouraging researchers to create development plans and set objectives for their career.

The Concordat to support the career development of researchers

The Concordat - which was produced by Research Councils UK and Universities UK - sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society and the economy. It provides a framework for career development based around three clear principles.

In order to address the Concordat principles the university developed an following both formal and informal consultation with research staff and research managers across the institution. The revised plan was approved for publication in January 2024 and the delivery of the plan is being directed by the Concordat Implementation Steering Group which includes staff from human resources, equality and diversity and careers as well as principal investigators, contract and early career researchers.

Plans and reports

Concordat action plan 2012-14

2014 interim review report

Concordat implementation plan 2014-2016

2016 review report (four years)

Concordat implementation plan 2016-2018

Progress on 2016-2018 implementation plan

2018 review report (six years)

Concordat implementation plan 2018-2020

Useful links

European Commission ‘HR Excellence in Research’ Award

Announced by the European Commission in May 2024, the University of Brighton retained its ‘HR Excellence in Research’ award. The award recognises the continued and innovative work by the university to enhance working conditions for researchers as set out in the European Charter and Code. The award was retained following the university’s twelve-year review.

The Concordat principles

The Concordat sets out three clear principles of:

environment and culture
employment
professional and career development.

The principles are underpinned by obligations for the four key stakeholder groups – funders, institutions, researchers and managers of researchers – to realise the aims of the Concordat.