Abstract

A huge amount of time and effort is wasted by researchers and research managers and administrators (RMAs) trying to navigate the complexities of the research lifecycle process. It can be unclear how to access key information, figure out how things work, who to talk to and what happens next in the research process. This results in many problems and unsustainable practices, including unnecessary increased workloads and frustrations; preventable issues arising, and significant time, money and resources spent fixing them; unsuccessful applications that could have been successful with appropriate guidance; and less time spent carrying out quality research and higher value-added activities.
To address these issues, a cross-unit team in Dublin City University carried out a large-scale project to develop an online resource, focused on funded research projects, to help researchers across the University, and those who support them, to navigate the DCU Research Lifecycle, both clarifying processes and providing information on where to access supports at each stage. The resource covers the entire research lifecycle from project concept and applying for funding, through to running a project and exploiting the results. It covers a multitude of topics, including funding sources, budgets, hiring staff, ethics approval, equipment maintenance, publications, intellectual property exploitation and many more. The work resulted in the DCU President’s Award for Innovation and a highly impactful and useful tool for all stakeholders.
In this 30 min presentation, we will discuss the benefits of developing the resource, bring attendees through the process we undertook (e.g. explaining stakeholder selection and engagement, resource design and optimisation, user testing etc.), advise on how best to go about this and provide tips for other RMA’s who wish to develop a similar resource for their organisations.
The learning outcomes for attendees will be that they will:
1. Understand what a research lifecycle resource is;
2. Learn how it can increase the impact, quality and quantity of application and awards; improve the research and work environment; and assist with sustainability practices and targets for researchers, RMA’s and organisations; and
3. Feel empowered to develop a research lifecycle resource for their own organisation.