Making the Case for Research Academic Promotions 2012 Professor Stephen Garton | Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Promotions 2012

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. 2

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) 3

Research 4  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

Research Criteria 5  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

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 6

The Research Case – what is required?  A statement of 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 7

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. 8

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”? 9

Help The Promotion Committee Appreciate Your Achievements  Write clearly and concisely to a multi-disciplinary audience  Quality 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 10

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 11

Questions? 12