THIS MONTH:
- Bookings and call for content open for #VitaeCon2026
- Nominate now for the Vitae ICE Awards and celebrate your colleagues
- Apply now for Leadership in Action – University of Oxford and Vitae leadership programme
Vitae Events
#VitaeCon2026 – bookings open and submit for the call for content
Bookings are open for the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference 2026, taking place in-person Tuesday 8 – Wednesday 9 September 2026 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh and online on Thursday 1 October.
Learn more about #VitaeCon2026.
Would you like to share your researcher development practice with colleagues? Why not consider submitting content to be presented at #VitaeCon2026? Submit now to our call for content by the deadline of Friday 12 June 2026. Find all the information on the Vitae website.
Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) – Video submission process for institutions and inspiration from 2025
The clock is ticking for Vitae 3MT®!
If your institution is taking part in this year’s Vitae Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) 2026, please remember to submit your finalist’s video by the deadline of Friday 26 June 2026.
All the information on how to submit your finalist’s video is available on the Vitae website.
Enjoying the 3MT® journey? Be inspired by the 2025 Editor’s Choice winner, Yuxuan Wu, who has had her research article published by The Conversation, a Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition supporter.
Learn more – Vitae Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®)
Vitae ICE Awards – Nominations open and apply to be on the community shortlisting panel
Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their work in researcher development?
If so, consider nominating them for the Vitae Impact, Culture and Engagement (ICE) Awards 2026. There are awards in four categories – Newcomer of the Year, Outstanding Contribution, Research Culture Impact through Researcher Development and Innovative and Inclusive Practice.
Nominate your colleague or colleagues by Friday 12 June 2026 to celebrate their contributions. The awards ceremony will take place at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Tuesday 8 September 2026.
If you are interested in reviewing nominations to decide the shortlist, please apply via our website by Friday 5 June 2026.
Full information – Vitae ICE Awards 2026
Vitae Updates
Vitae and University of Oxford Leadership in Action Programme – bookings open
The University of Oxford, in collaboration with Vitae, are welcoming applications for Leadership in Action, a three-day, in-person leadership development programme.
Designed specifically for researchers, the programme enables participants to:
- Build confidence
- Develop practical leadership skills
- Reflect on how they lead within research groups and collaborations
- Gain tools for immediate application in their roles and future careers.
The next cohort will take place in September 2026, in Oxford. Please apply by the deadline of 5pm (GMT+1) Monday 13 July 2026.
Leadership in Action – apply now
CRAC Policy and Research Manager and Business Operations Coordinator vacancies
Do you have experience in policy and research?
The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC), the charity which manages the Vitae programme, is looking for a Policy and Research Manager / Senior Policy and Research Manager.
The role will shape how researcher development policy and practice is understood, evidenced and influenced in the UK and across Europe.
CRAC is additionally looking for a Business Operations Coordinator for a maternity cover. The post holder will have experience in project coordination (including activities, events, meetings or training), strong customer service and administrative skills, and the organisational and interpersonal ability to work flexibly, meet tight deadlines and deliver successful outcomes.
The deadline for applications is Monday 8 June 2026 at 12 noon. Find out more and how to apply via the CRAC website.
Sector News
The 10th BME ECR Conference – upcoming in July
Join the waitlist for the 10th Black and Minority Ethnic Early Career Researcher (BME ECR) Conference, taking place on Friday 10 July 2026 at King’s College London. The free event is sold out however joining the waitlist is recommended.
The theme for this year is ‘Reflection, Recognition and Renewal.’ The conference will honour the achievements of BME ECRs and celebrate their contributions.
A Framework for Supporting, Integrating and Nurturing Practice Research
Developed as part of the Wellcome-funded Research Culture Northern Ireland project, delivered by Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, this framework provides practical guidance to better support, recognise, and embed practice research across higher education.
The framework is designed for a wide range of stakeholders – including research managers, academic leaders, practitioners, and policy audiences – and seeks to support more inclusive and enabling research cultures.
There are two reports – A Summary Report and the Full Report which can be accessed here.
Share this resource with colleagues who are involved in, or interested in, developing support for practice research in their institutions and organisations.
NCACE Lightbox: Researcher Visibility & Collaboration Programme
A free pilot initiative, the NCACE Lightbox: Researcher Visibility & Collaboration Programme is designed to support early- and mid-career academics, artists, and cultural practitioners to develop collaborative projects with smaller arts and cultural organisations.
It runs from July – October 2026, and aims to develop new ways of connecting research and artistic practice. The programme includes in-person workshops, online sessions and mentoring. Apply by the closing date of Friday 12 June 2026.
Do you support researchers? Become an organisational member of Vitae
Benefits of membership include access for your organisation to a comprehensive range of resources, discounts on events, and member only activities, as well as being part of a connected network committed to supporting researchers and those who support them.
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