Reimagining research practices: towards a sustainable, ethical and inclusive future

The UK is legally bound to achieve net zero in all activities by 2050, Lancaster University aims to achieve this by 2035. Our researchers will be instrumental in realising this ambition requiring a step-change in the way we operate. These changes will introduce our researchers and participants to new complexities and risks which threaten the integrity of research if not done properly. Now is the moment to re-focus and re-imagine working practices, and to invest time to enhance and build resilience into our research culture. Our proposal focuses on three overarching but interlinking pillars: P1) the sustainability of our evolving research practices, P2) the mitigations for ethical risks arising from reshaping research approaches, and P3) the enhancement of inclusion in our research community and practices. Under these pillars, this proposal aims to develop positive research cultures via three main deliverables: D1) Investigate internal and external current practices and innovative ideas, D2) Reinvigorate and disrupt our research culture by developing support mechanisms, new resources, university strategies and policies for researchers to adapt to recent changes and ready them for future developments, and D3) Evaluate and communicate our activities, identifying best practice for sharing across the sector and optimising further development opportunities.