Recognising and rewarding training activity in dRTP roles and departments

Many DRTPs undertake training and, in some cases, formal teaching as part of their roles. However, many do not receive formal preparation for these activities, nor have clear pathways to develop as educators. In addition, there is often limited recognition and reward for training and teaching contributions within DRTP teams, which may hinder professional development if these activities are not valued equally alongside core technical responsibilities.

UCL’s Centre for Advanced Research Computing has developed an educator development pathway, which this project aims to build upon. The initial phase will work with those who deliver, develop, and support training infrastructure across the UK DRTP landscape to expand existing examples and development opportunities so that they better meet sector needs.

The second phase will work with DRTP leaders to raise awareness of the pathway and advocate for its adoption within their departments. The aim is to promote parity of esteem between technical and training activities in terms of recognition and reward, particularly within promotions processes.

This work will raise the profile of training and its importance within the UK research landscape,while also developing a meaningful development pathway including leadership opportunities for those who engage in these activities.