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. It explores essential themes such as research culture, professional development, employment conditions, and the experiences of research staff and their managers, providing actionable insights to shape supportive and inclusive academic environments.
CEDARS 2025: Supporting Researchers, Shaping the Future
Since its pilot in 2020, CEDARS has successfully provided valuable insights through survey rounds in 2021 and 2023. The next CEDARS 2025 survey benchmarking window will run from Monday 3rd March to Friday 13th June 2025.
To reflect the evolving needs of the sector, our priority for CEDARS 2025 is to streamline the survey, reducing its overall length to encourage greater participation while minimising respondent burden.
See the new CEDARS 2025 Question Set: CEDARS 2025 Question Set
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.