In September 2023, we launched our Vision for a great science culture, which set out the behaviours and values that are essential to create a positive science culture, for the benefit of science itself and everyone taking part.
A positive culture is essential to creating an enabling community and supporting quality science. It comprises good scientific practice, support for wellbeing and development, and maximum participation in science and innovation. It’s rigorous, ethical and responsible, safe and supportive, inclusive and accessible, and open and collaborative.
Now that we have set out our vision, the next step is to create spaces for challenging conversations where everyone has the opportunity to discuss the various barriers and tensions that can hamper the pursuit of a great science culture.
We’ve identified five key areas for discussion, and throughout the first half of 2024 we will be holding a series of interactive, facilitated, online panel discussions on each of these topics.
Submit your questions and comments NOW for our second session "How can an academic leader also be a great manager?", which is taking place at 4pm UK time on 13 March.
You can also see others' questions and upvote your favourites.
Session schedule
| Session | Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | 14 February 2024 | Can a commitment to improving science culture impact your career prospects? |
| Session 2 | 13 March 2024 | How can an academic leader also be a great manager? |
| Session 3 | 17 April 2024 | How do we find a work-life balance in an academic career? |
| Spotlight session | 13 May 2024 | Spotlight on: Mental health |
| Session 4 | 19 June 2024 | Do recognition practices interfere with science culture values? |
| Session 5 | 17 July 2024 | How do we tackle the conflict between intellectual property and the drive towards open science? |
How will it work?
What's happening?
- For each topic we have invited 3-4 guest panellists from a range of backgrounds and career stages, to give their perspectives on the topic at hand.
- Experienced science communicator, nanochemist Dr Suze Kundu, will lead the panel discussions.
- You’ll have the opportunity to submit questions and comments from one week ahead of the panel discussion, and during the discussion itself. You can do so anonymously. You’ll also have the opportunity to upvote others' questions and comments.
How do I participate?
- The panel discussions will be broadcast live on our YouTube channel and on our LinkedIn page. You’ll be able to find the Slido link to submit questions in either of those locations during the broadcast.
- Slido links will also appear on this page one week ahead of each discussion.
- Please be respectful when submitting your comments and questions.
What if I miss the session?
- The recording of each discussion will be available immediately afterwards on our YouTube channel.
What if I have specific concerns?
- You are encouraged to submit feedback on each discussion using the form below.
- If you need live captions, please watch the broadcast on LinkedIn, where automated live captions will be provided. Captions will also be available on the YouTube recording afterwards.
- If you have any questions or concerns ahead of the discussions, please submit these using the form below.
Upcoming sessions
Spotlight on: Mental health
2pm UK time, 13 May 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
A special session for Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. According to our Pay and Reward Survey, 15% of disabled RSC members have a mental health condition, with those occupying multiple marginalised identities reporting negative wellbeing in greater numbers. This session focuses on mental health and wellbeing from an intersectional standpoint. We will also discuss accessibility and inclusion for chemists with mental health conditions.
Confirmed panellists: Dr Stephen Buckley, University of York; Ollie Thomas, University of Oxford and Enable Science; Dr Hadar Elraz, Swansea University; Lara Lalemi, Creative Tuition Collective
Submit your questions and comments for this session now.
Session 4: Do recognition practices interfere with science culture values?
2pm UK time, 19 June 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Recognition practices, such as prizes and awards, grants, and other forms of recognition, traditionally focus on academic achievement. In this session we talk about whether other contributions to the community - such as initiatives aimed at improving aspects of science culture - arebeing appropriately incentivised and recognised.
Confirmed panellists: Martin Farley, Green Labs; Joeri Tijdink, Amsterdam UMC
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 13 June, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.
Session 5: How do we tackle the conflict between intellectual property and the drive towards open science?
2pm UK time, 17 July 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
You will be able to submit your questions and comments on Slido from one week in advance. The link will appear here on 11 July, and will also be made available alongside the broadcast on the day.
Past sessions
Session 1: Can a commitment to improving science culture impact your career prospects?
Watch this session on YouTube now
4pm UK time, 14 February 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Everyone involved in science should be active participants in establishing a positive science culture. However, all too often the commitment of time and resources to this endeavour can be seen as extra-curricular to someone’s role, rather than an integral part of it. In this session we explore the potential tensions between advancing in your career and focusing on improving aspects of science culture such as inclusion, ethics and more.
Panellists: Professor Candy Rowe, Dean of Research Culture and Strategy, Newcastle University; Dr Devin Swiner, Member, Board of Directors, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE); Professor Vasilios Stavros, Professor of Physical Chemistry, University of Birmingham; Dr Natércia das Neves Rodrigues Lopes, Junior Researcher, Instituto Superior Técnico
Session 2: How can an academic leader also be a great manager?
Watch this session on YouTube now
4pm UK time, 13 March 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Those who pursue a career in academia are normally expected to assume a management role at some point. But how well does a career in academia equip you to be a great manager who sets the scene for a great science culture? In this session we discuss management capability within academia, including the struggles and challenges of being manager, the support and training needed, and what those in academia should be able to expect of their managers.
Panellists: Professor Steve Howdle, University of Nottingham; Professor Christopher Jackson, Jacobs Engineering; Dr Dennis Sherwood, Silver Bullet; Professor Radha Boya, University of Manchester
Session 3: How do we find a work-life balance in an academic career?
Watch this session on YouTube now
2pm UK time, 17 April 2024, RSC YouTube and LinkedIn
Personal circumstances can affect us at work in a vast range of ways. Caring responsibilities, neurodivergence and disability, mental health, and the need to balance a range of priorities in our lives all have the potential to clash with our work schedules and responsibilities. In this session we explore the different ways in which our personal situations can impact on us at work and vice versa, and explore ways to find wellbeing and balance.
Panellists: Professor Kylie Vincent, University of Oxford; Chantelle Minchin, Enable Science, Manchester Metropolitan University and Stepan Company, Dr Lizzie Driscoll, University of Birmingham