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We’re working with colleagues to better understand research pathways
28 August 2019
We’ve been working with the Research Support Transformer User Network to build a rich understanding of the research lifecycle and understand what support colleagues need to continue delivering world class research.
The TOPS Research Support Transformer aims to change the way in which research support and administration is delivered to improve the experience of all users throughout UCL.
The best way to deliver services that work is to involve those who use and provide the services in their design from the outset. To do this we’ve built a user network of staff from across UCL’s research community.
This group is helping us build a rich understanding of the research lifecycle and understand what support colleagues need to continue delivering world class research.
We have had a great response with over 140 colleagues joining the user network so far. We wanted to thank everyone for supporting the Research Support Transformer and for the input from those who have been involved to date.
Defining research pathways
Throughout July and August, we have been working with the network to map research and research-related pathways in four distinct areas: research (sponsored and non-sponsored), clinical trials, consulting and goods and services.
To date we have held:
- A series of workshops to start mapping research and clinical trial pathways
- A series of interviews to understand the experience of the research community
- Focus groups with professional service colleagues to understand the current administrative processes and challenges
For the remainder of the summer, we are planning to work with members of the user network to map innovation pathways such as consultancy.
During September we will also be building on the series of interviews that were carried out in July and August and have scheduled five validation workshops, covering four areas, to ensure we have captured all the feedback and mapped the pathways accurately.
Get involved
If you are interested in attending, please register via one of the following links.
- Research (sponsored and non-sponsored) – Monday 9 September 10am–12pm.
- Clinical trials – Wednesday 11 September 1.30pm–3.30pm.
- Consulting – Thursday 12 September 2pm–4pm.
- Research (sponsored and non-sponsored) – Monday 16 September 12pm–2pm.
- Goods and services – Tuesday 18 September 10am–12pm.
Please note these workshops have a limited capacity of 30. The sessions will be facilitated by our partners, Nous Consulting who have been supporting the project throughout the summer.