XClose

UCL Human Resources

Menu

Researcher Development Framework (RDF)

Explore the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) to support your personal, professional and career development.

The Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) is a national professional development framework that describes the knowledge, behaviours and attributes of a successful researcher. It was developed by and for researchers, in consultation with academic and non-academic employers. The framework covers the knowledge, personal effectiveness and professional standards needed to create impactful research. 

To reflect current and future ambitions for the research environment, Vitae released an updated version of the RDF in 2025. RDF 2025 recognises the critical importance of connections between the professional and career development of productive and motivated researchers and initiatives to further knowledge exchange, research integrity, open research, and research culture.

Across our platforms the UCL Researcher Development Programmes are mapped onto both the 4 domains of RDF (2010) and the 3 circles of RDF (2025). We therefore encourage you to take a look at both RDFs and make use of whichever fits your needs the most.

RDF 2010

Circular diagram showing four domains of researcher development: Knowledge and intellectual abilities, Personal effectiveness, Research governance and organisation, and Engagement, influence and impact. Each domain includes three subcategories.

The RDF 2010 contains four key domains:

  • Domain A: Knowledge and intellectual abilities
  • Domain B: Personal Effectiveness
  • Domain C: Research governance and organisation
  • Domain D: Engagement, influence and impact

RDF 2025

Circular diagram showing a researcher at the center, surrounded by rings labeled "Research" and "Research Communities," with outer icons for collaboration and global connectivity.

The revised structure places researchers at its core, introducing the inner ‘Researcher’ domain as the new entry point to the framework. Surrounding this is the outer circle of ‘Research Communities’, which encompasses all domains to reflect the collaborative nature of research as a shared endeavour. 

The Researcher Development Framework will help you to:

  • Identify your strengths and your areas of improvement
  • Prioritise your personal, professional and career development
  • Monitor your progress and success throughout your researcher journey
  • Prepare for your progress reviews, appraisals and development conversations with your manager or mentor
  • Explore developmental opportunities
  • Explore your journey as a researcher and more!

Researcher Development Framework Editions