Alex Peden has been appointed as Head of Research Cultures within the Institute for Academic Development. The Head of Research Cultures is a key leadership role, providing strategic direction and informing positive initiatives to improve research cultures within our University community. This post will lead and oversee the delivery of the University Research Cultures Action Plan, realising our responsibility as an institution to inspire a culture where researchers are encouraged, supported and recognised. ‘We couldn’t be happier that Alex Peden will be joining the Institute for Academic Development to lead the University’s work on Research Culture. Working closely with IAD, the Research Cultures Forum, and the Colleges and Schools, Alex will be ensuring we redeem the ambitious commitments made in our Research Cultures Action Plan. She will also be supporting our work to ensure continuous improvement of our research environment - identifying gaps in support, barriers to equality and inclusion, and sharing learning across the University. She brings a wealth of experience, most recently through her excellent work as Senior Research Strategy Manager in the Usher Institute.’ Professor Christina Boswell, Vice-Principal Research and Enterprise With extensive knowledge and expertise from previous research-based roles, Alex joins the Institute for Academic Development from her role as Senior Research Strategy Manager at the Usher Institute. Alex has a background in research across the Scottish Higher Education sector as well as experience at the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and will be taking up this new role in March 2024. ‘I’m really excited to be joining IAD in the Research Cultures role. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the excellent work going on and supporting those already pushing forward to improve our working practices, as well as collaborating to develop new areas of work, and sharing best practice across the University and the UK.’ Alex Peden Read more about the University's commitment to improve Research Culture and the University Research Cultures Plan at https://support-for-researchers.ed.ac.uk/research-cultures. This article was published on 2024-02-26
