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RVC Local Network Leads - Applications Open

The aim of a LNL is to promote the ethos, values, and aims of the UKRN and to widen the adoption of best practices via circulating information, advocacy work, and/or providing training, among other activities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to the LNL role, with each LNL across each institution bringing their own style to the role based on their ambitions, interests, and capacity. UKRN has produced a  that describes the role in more detail and lists some of the typical activities that a LNL might carry out, such as:

• Running a 'ReproducibiliTea' journal club
• Delivering or organising training in Open Research practices
• Setting up an Open Research award within their institution

In addition to advancing better research practices and culture within their institution LNLs can benefit from:

• Excellent networking opportunities
• Developing leadership, project management, and other skills
• Access to training in cutting edge Open Research practices

Our previous Local Network Leads had this to say about the role:

Andrew Crump, Lecturer in Animal Cognition & Welfare
"Being the UKRN Local Network Lead is a fantastic opportunity to help foster a culture of open, transparent, and rigorous research at RVC. By leading local initiatives, workshops, and discussions, the LNL can help shape best practices in research, support early-career researchers, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Additionally, the UKRN gives you access to valuable resources, training, and national-level conversations about improving research methodologies, ultimately strengthening both individual research projects and our research reputation."

Charlotte Burn, Associate Professor in Animal Welfare and Behaviour Science
"This is a really satisfying role for anyone with an interest in robust and trustworthy science. It’s an excuse to learn about some of the latest ideas and opportunities for improving how research is done, as well as helping to drive a culture of research excellence across RVC. Through the role, you will meet likeminded researchers across different fields, too, exploring similarities and differences in each other’s challenges and solutions." 

Applicants do not need to be experts in reproducibility or Open Reseach as the role is about developing knowledge amongst the network and fostering a culture of open and reproducible research at RVC.

The LNL position is unpaid and we anticipate this being a 1-year role with the option to extend. The time required to fulfil the activities of a LNL vary from person to person, but can be managed flexibly around existing commitments. LNLs are also provided with support from the broader UKRN, and at RVC specifically by our Open Research Coordinator and Administrator Danny Smith.

LNLs can be any academic (e.g., from PhD student to professor) and/or professional service staff (e.g., librarians, technicians, research software engineers, support staff, etc.), though we particularly welcome applications from early career researchers. 

In addition to the , further information can be found on the UKRN Youtube Channel: .

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact Danny Smith; if you would like to apply, please .

In addition to being a member of the core UKRN project, RVC is also participating in , a five-year programme supported by Research England, UKRN institutional members, and project partners, to accelerate the uptake of high-quality open research practices in UK universities. Through the ORP RVC has appointed an Open Research Coordinator and Administrator, Danny Smith, to deliver the programme within the College.

ORP Training

The ORP includes a Training module, providing opportunities for RVC Researchers (staff and students) and staff in research-supporting roles, to receive training in various Open Research principles and practices whilst also learning how to use that knowledge to then develop their own training for colleagues at RVC.

The use of this 'train-the-trainer' model allows information to be disseminated by individuals at institutions in a way that is most relevant to that institution. The Programme’s aim is to recruit and train 180 institutional Trainers, who in turn will train 2700 institutional Trainees across all ORP partner institutions. As such, every institutional Trainer is encouraged to train 15 people in their institution within 6 months of their completion of a train-the-trainer course.Support will be provided for this from the RVC's Open Research Coordinator and Administrator, Danny Smith.

ORP Training programmes run quarterly and applications are now open for the Summer 2025 package of courses.

Summer 2025 Courses

Wednesday 25th June - *

Thursday 26th June -   

Thursday 3rd July -   

Wednesdays 9th and 16th July - 

_{*This is a new pilot course and does not follow the ‘train-the-trainer’ model. If this course is successful then a ‘train-the-trainer’ version will run in Autumn.}

Please consult the links above for further information on each course.

If you’re interested in any of the courses, or have any general further queries regarding UKRN, the ORP, or Open Research more broadly, please speak to Danny Smith, RVC’s Open Research Coordinator and Administrator, dasmith@rvc.ac.uk.