Celebrating 30 years of the Researcher Academy

Celebrating 30 Years of the Researcher Academy: Marking our legacy, signalling our future

This year marks a major milestone for the Researcher Academy as we celebrate 30 years of supporting researchers at the University of Nottingham.

Since 1994, the Researcher Academy has been a trusted partner in researcher development, advocating for researchers, building strategic partnerships, and empowering individuals from postgraduate research students to senior research leaders to reach their highest ambitions.

From our early focus on helping PhD students navigate their doctoral milestones, to groundbreaking initiatives like the Postgraduate Placements Programme, RSVP, and REC HURDLEs, our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to research excellence.

Whilst the sector continues to face uncertainty, we remain a steadfast and forward-thinking presence, committed to adapting and evolving with the needs of our research community. We will continue to help shape a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient research culture, working alongside researchers to ensure lasting impact for years to come.

Over the coming year, we will be sharing stories of how far we’ve come over the last 30 years. Whether you’re a researcher, staff member or business partner, your contributions have helped make the Researcher Academy what it is today.

Book Launch: Chronicles from the Academic Frontier 

To kick off our 30th anniversary celebrations, we are proud to present Chronicles from the Academic Frontier.  This compelling collection of short stories is inspired by the research journeys and lived experiences of University of Nottingham researchers. From research technicians to academics, each contributor offers a unique perspective, revealing the human side of research. Created in partnership with Ruler’s Wit, the book brings research to life through engaging and relatable storytelling.

University of Nottingham colleagues and students are invited to join us at the Book Launch Event on Monday 24 November to listen to live readings and pick up a signed copy of the book. The book will also available to purchase from Amazon.

We want to hear from you!

Share your own journey, experiences, or reflections as part of our research community. Tag us on LinkedIn using #RA@30 and help us celebrate the people and stories behind our success.

We’re proud of the work we’ve done and the vibrant research community we’ve built together. We wouldn’t be here without you, so let’s celebrate our journey and shape the future of research at Nottingham, one story at a time.