Academics at institutes across the UK are seen as the backbone of this country’s research. They promote the advancement of knowledge across a multitude of domains, maintaining this country’s passion for growth, creativity and development. But what is it really like to work as a UK-based researcher in 2018? Here’s your opportunity to feed into our research.

The academic role: bitter-sweet?

Do we really know what pressures academics face? Certainly, they must inspire, inform and educate future generations of researchers as they undertake their postgraduate studies. They must design and carry out studies to address the pressing questions of modern-day life, and publish their findings regularly in peer-reviewed journals in order to meet the demands of REF.

But there’s so much more besides: securing funding, promoting the impact of their research to a wider public and – of course – teaching on undergraduate programmes, together with mountains of administrative chores.

The modern academic no longer has a simple job description – and their role is now played out in front of a world-wide audience, thanks to the perceived need for a strong web presence.

Here at Buckingham, we’re interested in the interaction between academia, the web and  research production. We’ve designed a brief (15 minute) survey to capture some key aspects of academic demands, and we’re seeking participants right now.

If you would like to share your everyday experiences as an academic researcher, please take a few moments to help us by clicking on this link or scanning the QR code. You won’t have to supply your name or the details of your HEI, so it’s a great opportunity to tell us what you really feel!

You must be currently associated with a UK-based HEI and research-activate (this includes PhD students) to participate.

This study has received ethical approval from the University of Buckingham. Your responses are anonymous. You will not provide the name of your HEI. For further information do get in touch with Kathryn Friedlander via the contacts page.

Image credits:
License: Creative Commons 3 – CC BY-SA 3.0

Attribution: Alpha Stock Images – http://alphastockimages.com/
Original Author: Nick Youngson – http://www.nyphotographic.com/