Researcher Development Programme

Our Researcher Development Programme develops the skills you need for your research and future career. The programme will help you to secure funded research, support your research practice and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. The programme is aligned with the University's strategic aims, the wider higher education environment, particularly the Vitae Researcher Development Framework and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. 

At the University of Derby, we are fully committed to fostering a research culture that values and invests in its people. As part of this commitment, we have signed the Concordat, reinforcing our dedication to supporting the career development and progression of our research staff. This aligns with our Innovation and Research Strategy, which places professional and personal development at the heart of our approach to research excellence. 

For our researchers, this means greater clarity on the responsibilities of funders, institutions, and managers in creating an environment where research careers can flourish. The Concordat provides a clear framework outlining what researchers can expect in terms of opportunities for growth, fair employment practices, and access to professional development. At the same time, it highlights the role that researchers themselves play in actively engaging with these opportunities to shape their own career paths.