Making the Case for Research Academic Promotions 2014

Professor Stephen Garton | Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Academic Promotions 2014

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Promotion Criteria

When applying via the Research-Focussed stream you must be ranked as Exceptional in ‘Research’

What is Exceptional?An applicant whose achievements are Exceptional should demonstrate highly significant achievements and contributions in relation to the criteria

at the level for which the applicant is applying.

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Choosing Streams

 “Research Case” rankings required- Via Teaching & Research stream = outstanding/superior

- Via Education-focused = superior/satisfactory

- Via Research-focussed = exceptional (and at least one superior)

Am I a good candidate for the “research-focussed” stream?- Discuss with immediate supervisors, peers, HoS, etc.

- Proven performance (at current level) PLUS capacity to perform (at higher level) consult the ‘normative criteria’ for examples

- Candidate’s assessment is based on discipline area, subject to opportunity (fractional and conjoint at pro-rata of their FT colleagues)

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Research

Clear criteria for achievement in each discipline

Explain and document your achievement

Don’t jump too early

Develop your research portfolio

Don’t inflate your portfolio

Don’t leave the committee wondering

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Research Criteria

What is the contribution to knowledge?

What has been its impact?

Is it recognised / assessed as significant?

National and International significance

Evidence of track record

Quality and Quantity

Evidence that it is your contribution

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Research-focused staff

Promotion is assessed on the opportunities available by virtue of the nature of appointment

Research-focused staff generally have no brief to become involved in undergraduate teaching or administrative matters – they may choose to do so

Research-focused staff should have better research output than “regular” academic staff

Research-focused staff must demonstrate “exceptional” performance in research - i.e. significantly exceeding the criteria for the current level of appointment

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The Research Case – what is required?

A statement of 500-1000 words (1500 for Research-focused applicants) with supporting evidence for the 4 dimensions of research (Research, Scholarship, Creative Work and Professional Work).

When applying via the Research-focused stream present the case for ranking research as “exceptional”

Important:- Focus on what’s new and different

- Concentrate on achievements since last promotion in the context of your whole career

- Demonstrate proven performance (at current level) PLUS capacity to perform (at higher level)

- Provide evidence of upward career trajectory

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The Four Dimension of Research

Research, Scholarship, Creative and Professional Work

- Program of R/S/CW/PW- Achievements

- Recognition received for R/S/CW/PW- Applause from peers - grants, awards, rave reviews ...

- Dissemination of R/S/CW/PW- Products/outputs - papers, books, talks, performances, commercialization, publicity

- Research Leadership- Contributions to the community of scholars - societies, conferences, mentoring, research students ...

 

What constitutes research activity?  Which activities go where?

- See guidelines to applicants for more information.

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Help the Promotions Committee Appreciate Your Achievements

Construct your case to answer these questions

- What do the panel expect to see from someone in your “discipline area”?

- What do you need to achieve to be promoted in your “discipline area”?

- What constitutes “exceptional” performance in your “discipline area”?

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Help The Promotion Committee Appreciate Your Achievements

Write clearly and concisely to a multi-disciplinary audienceQuality trumps quantity every time.  Don’t just list or number

achievements, EXPLAIN why they are important (particularly in disciplines where explanations aren’t universally obvious).

Provide evidence of quality – e.g., citation index, external review, etc.Be selective and strategic. Pick examples that illustrate aspects of your

case for promotion.  But don’t double-dip.Focus on outcomes not processes/activities Explain apparent weaknesses – low citation rates, discipline–specific

factors, career interruptions

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Choosing Referees

5 referees must be provided(no teaching referee required for Research-focused applicants)

Usually higher level than candidate

Consider including an external referee - international recognition carries weight

Levels D & E: Referees must be able to attest to candidate’s international standing