Evidence, evaluation and impact
We are an independent and trusted provider of evidence on all aspects of careers in research. Developing the evidence on which to drive forward positive change on researcher development and research culture is central to our work.
We collaborate with partners and the community to undertake and deliver research and evaluation projects and initiatives.
The Culture, Employment and Development in Academic Research survey (CEDARS)
The Culture, Employment, and Development in Academic Research Survey (CEDARS) is a UK-wide survey designed to capture the experiences, views, and needs of research staff and their managers in higher education institutions. It explores key areas such as research culture, employment conditions, professional development, and career aspirations. CEDARS provides insights to help institutions improve support for researchers and align with frameworks like the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.
Find out more![cedars image cedars image](https://vitae.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cedars-image-1.jpeg)
What do researchers do?
This regular report explores the destinations and career paths of doctoral graduates and how they contribute to society, culture and economy.
It is designed to help:
- doctoral researchers, research staff and prospective researchers make well-informed career choices
- careers advisors, researcher developers, supervisors and principal investigators to be aware of the breadth of potential careers
- funders and policymakers understand the contribution of doctoral graduates to society, culture and the economy
- employers better appreciate what researchers can offer them
![WDRD image 3 WDRD image 3](https://vitae.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/WDRD-image-3.jpg)
Other evaluation and impact activities and reports
We regularly work with the sector to undertake evaluation, impact and research projects on topics related to the career and professional development of researchers.
- Read about our current projects
- Browse our archive of reports and publications
![small IMG_6387 People are sat around a table around a big sheet of paper on which they are writing down ideas during a workshop.](https://vitae.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/small-IMG_6387.jpg)
Our advocacy and policy work
The evaluation and research that we undertake in collaboration with the sector informs our advocacy work.
- Read more about our policy and advocacy work
![office-imagery copy office-imagery copy](https://vitae.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/office-imagery-copy.jpg)
Research services
Vitae are managed by the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC), a registered charity that provides research, intelligence and innovation services for all those who support the career development of people of all ages and in all sectors.
We have extensive experience in delivering evaluation and research projects, and partnering with organisations on funding bids.
To chat about how we might be able to help, contact us
![pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144923 An aerial view of a woman's hand writing in a notebook on a table, with a computer screen in front of her with a woman's face on it. The desk is strewn with stationery items. Photograph from Pexels by Julia M Cameron.](https://vitae.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pexels-julia-m-cameron-4144923.jpg)