Publications
Our publications
Vitae annual reports
Each year Vitae puts together an annual report to share our achievements and activities from the previous year.
Executive Summary – The Path to Research Leadership in Africa
Executive Summary – The Path to Research Leadership in Africa
Read the 15 recommendations to all stakeholders, to accelerate world-class research, foster innovation, build linkages with policy makers and promote scientific leadership in Africa.
Exec Summary – Path to Research Leadership in Africa – FINAL – Feb ’20
Report – The Path to Research Leadership in Africa
Read the full report of this study on how they can play their part in developing the next generation and building the capacity and capability of current African research leaders.
Report – Path to Research Leadership in Africa – FINAL – Feb ’20 (1)-part-1
Report – Path to Research Leadership in Africa – FINAL – Feb ’20 (1)-part-2
Catalyst Fund: Supporting mental health and wellbeing for postgraduate research students
In March 2018, £1.5M was awarded to 17 projects through the Catalyst Fund to support the wellbeing and mental health of PGRs. Research England, UK Research and Innovation, and the Office for Students commissioned Vitae, in collaboration with Universities UK, to evaluate the programme’s impact, identify key learnings, and highlight effective practices. This report provides an overview of project activities, their reach and impact, and presents key themes and recommendations for the sector, senior institutional managers, supervisors, professional services staff, and PGRs.
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-1
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-2
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-3
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-4
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-5
Programme evaluation – PGR Catalyst Fund – Final Oct 2020-part-5
Understanding the experience of postgraduate researchers (PGRs) using the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) at UK Universities – 2021
The project explored themes related to the RDF structure, language, and user experience, including how PGRs were introduced to the RDF, its benefits, and the institutional support provided. Based on key findings, the report offers recommendations for doctoral researchers, institutions, and the wider sector. In-depth interviews with PGRs informed case studies, contributing to Vitae’s RDF refresh project, UK HE policy, and PGR training development. Funded by the CHASE Doctoral Training Partnership, the project aims to enhance support for PGRs across institutions.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on researchers and research – Wave 2 – June 2021
The ‘Wave 2’ survey, funded by UKRI and conducted by Vitae in early 2021, assessed Covid-19’s ongoing impact on UK researchers. Nearly half had returned to pre-pandemic hours, but over 80% had to adjust research methods, with reduced in-person contact hindering progress. Writing, peer review, and teaching increased, while wellbeing remained a concern, with 11% reporting bullying or harassment. Perceived funder support rose to 45%, though 51% of PGRs disagreed. The report highlights career concerns across all levels, though some researchers found unexpected opportunities.
The impact of Covid-19 on researchers & research – FINAL (1) (1)-part-1
The impact of Covid-19 on researchers & research – FINAL (1) (1)-part-2
The impact of Covid-19 on researchers & research – FINAL (1) (1)-part-3
The impact of Covid-19 on researchers & research – FINAL (1) (1)-part-4
The impact of Covid-19 on researchers & research – FINAL (1) (1)-part-5
The Supervisor’s Voice
This report outlines the findings and recommendations of a six-month qualitative study that explored the extent to which UK based Arts Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) supervisors feel able and willing to support PGRs with matters not directly related to academic research, such as wellbeing and career development.
100 Years of the PhD – A history
Here I have attempted to write a short history of the PhD in the UK. Much is based on the excellent book from 1983 by Renate Simpson and also visits to the University of London and UCL archives to get some more specific information about my own University which has produced a significant number of UK PhDs. I begin with some words about mediaeval ‘doctorates’ and the research doctorate developments in the German speaking world which were most significant. The UK story is divided into four periods leading into some comments about the future. – Professor David Bogle
Developing the next generation: Guidance and good practice in the leadership development of early career researchers and academics
Research project outcomes, including toolkits for use by staff developers and academic and research leaders. Developed with funding from the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-1
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-2
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-3
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-4
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-5
Developing-the-next-generation-Vitae-Brunel-LFHE-2015-part-6
More publications
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) commissioned The Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Ltd, that manages the Vitae programme, to evaluate the learnings and impact from the BBSRC ‘Professional Internships for the PhD Students’ (PIPS) scheme.
Launched in 2012, the PIPS scheme provides PhD students with the opportunity to gain work experience in a non-academic environment. The PIPS placement is mandatory for BBRSC funded PhD students; it usually lasts 12 weeks (about 3 months) and is unrelated to the PhD students’ doctoral research. The scheme aims to develop transferable skills, improve doctoral students’ understanding of different employment cultures and increase awareness of the wide spectrum of career opportunities.
The evaluation was completed in collaboration with the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) based at the University of Derby, and focused on what the PIPS scheme adds to a doctoral degree in relation to students’ professional and career development. The findings suggest that:
- PIPS placements enhance a range of students’ skills and are likely to support their employability.
- There is evidence of PIPS placements having strong impacts on students’ development of career thinking.
Evaluation of the Professional Internships for PhD Students (PIPS) Programme