Growing_the_Best_and_Brightest._The_Drivers_of_Research_Excellence

Growing the best and brightest March 2014
1.1. Background and objectives 5
1.2. Our approach and methodology 5
1.3. Key findings 5
1.4. Conclusions 6
1.5. Report structure 7
1.6. Acknowledgements 7
2.1. Introduction 9
2.2. Our approach 9
2.3. Methodology 10
2.3.1. Stage 1: Literature review ..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.2. Stage 2: Semi-structured interviews ................................................................................................................ 10
2.3.2.1. Selection of HEIs and subject areas ................................................................................................................ 10
2.3.2.2. Interview methodology ....................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.3. Stage 3: Drawing conclusions .............................................................................................................................. 12
3.1. Overview 14
3.2. Recruitment practices 15
3.2.1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 15
3.2.2. Evidence from the existing literature ............................................................................................................... 15
3.2.3. Evidence from the interviews .............................................................................................................................. 17
3.2.3.1. Identifying the need to hire a researcher .................................................................................................... 17
3.2.3.2. Advertising and encouraging researchers to apply ................................................................................ 18
3.2.3.3. Evaluating potential candidates ...................................................................................................................... 19
3.2.3.4. Making an offer to a preferred candidate .................................................................................................... 21
3.2.3.5. Integrating new recruits...................................................................................................................................... 21
3.2.4. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.3. Developing and motivating researchers 23
3.3.1. Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................ 23
3.3.2. Evidence from the existing literature ............................................................................................................... 23
3.3.3. Evidence from the interviews .............................................................................................................................. 24
3.3.3.1. Mentoring, appraisal and leadership ............................................................................................................. 24
3.3.3.2. Training ....................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.3.3. Incentives ................................................................................................................................................................... 28
3.3.3.4. Research environment and culture ................................................................................................................ 29
3.3.4. Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29