Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers Survey (CEDARS)
Shape the future of Research Careers with CEDARS
The Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers Survey (CEDARS) is at the forefront of understanding and improving the academic research environment. Launched in 2019 to replace the CROS and PIRLS surveys, CEDARS integrates their insights with new questions aligned to the revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
The Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers Survey (CEDARS)
CEDARS explores key themes that shape the research landscape, including:
- Research culture and working environment
- Professional and career development
- Employment practices and support structures
- The experiences of research staff and their managers
By capturing these perspectives, CEDARS provides actionable evidence to help institutions build supportive, inclusive, and empowering academic environments.
CEDARS 2025
The CEDARS 2025 benchmarking window ran from Monday 3 March to Friday 13 June 2025, with participation from 13,334 individuals across 53 UK higher education institutions — a strong indication of the sector’s continued commitment to developing research culture and supporting researcher careers.
CEDARS 2025 Resources
A concise overview of the key policy implications from the 2025 CEDARS results, highlighting sector-wide priorities and recommended actions.
CEDARS 2025 Benchmarking Report
An in-depth analysis of responses across participating institutions, offering detailed comparisons and evidence to inform strategic decision-making.
Available exclusively to Vitae members.
Explore the full list of questions used in the 2025 survey, including updates aligned with the revised Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
Join the CEDARS Network
Be part of a growing community of institutions committed to improving research culture. Interested in running CEDARS at your organisation? Contact us at CEDARS@vitae.ac.uk to register your interest.
Take a look at our CEDARS resources for Vitae members.
The CEDARS Steering Group is made up of representatives from a cross-section of institutions, including level of research intensity, geographical spread, specialist institutions. Representatives hold a range of occupations and expertise, including researchers and managers of researchers.
Members
- Mr Tom Egan, Royal College of Art, Research & Knowledge Exchange Development Manager
- Dr Alex Goddard, University of Leicester, Head of Doctoral College
- Dr Kieran Fenby-Hulse, Teesside University, Research Fellow (Research Policy and Impact)
- Dr Richard Freeman, University College London, Interim Head of Centre for Doctoral Education
- Dr Nikolay Ogryzko, UK Research and Innovation Talent, Programme Manager
- Dr Saneeya Qureshi, University of Liverpool, Head of Researcher Development and Culture
- Dr Rui Pires Martins, Queen Mary University London, Researcher Development Advisor
- Prof Bonnie Steves, Glasgow Caledonian University, Director of the Graduate School
- Dr Christopher Wood, University of Exeter, Head of Researcher Development & Research Culture
Remit
Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research Survey (CEDARS) Steering Group exists to ensure the appropriateness and sustainability of CEDARS in collecting and reporting the views and experiences of researchers and others engaged in research within academia.
Terms of Reference
- Ensure that CEDARS meets the needs of universities, research institutes and other stakeholders in collecting the views of researchers and their managers on their working environment, and career development needs and opportunities.
- Work with Vitae to ensure appropriate links with the Principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and other relevant policy initiatives.
- Promote the value of CEDARS, encouraging institutional engagement and the sharing of practice.
- Provide input to the ongoing development of CEDARS and its operation, consulting with the sector where appropriate.
- Provide input to the specification and production of any reports of the aggregate CEDARS results and benchmarking.
Operation
The Steering Group meets about three times a year, normally in London, but more recently on line. Additional meetings will be arranged as appropriate. Travelling expenses for physical meetings are covered.
Membership
- Representatives from a cross-section of institutions, including level of research intensity, geographical spread, specialist institutions.
- Representatives from a range of occupations and expertise.
- Representatives of researchers and managers of researchers.
Find more information about our CEDARS Data Analysis Services, including available support packages to help interpret institutional results.
Find more information on packages available for CEDARS Data Analysis Services.