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About Us

About the Research Staff Network

The Research Staff Network (RSN) provides a cross-disciplinary social and networking work platform to enable research staff to contribute positively through collective advocacy to the development of a more diverse, equitable and inclusive research and cultural life within our university.

Membership to the RSN is free and open to all Research Staff who are interested in the purpose and objectives of the network. Sign up to become a member today.

Our purpose

To provide a cross-disciplinary social and networking work platform for Research Staff that enables them to contribute positively to the development of a more diverse, equitable and inclusive research and cultural life within University of Galway.
To ensure that Research Staff and their views are represented and take part in discussions that are applicable to their career development and employment within the University.
To provide feedback to refine the current system of evaluating Research Staff career progression by ensuring the promotion criteria and processes are clear and transparent.
To organise social and networking events for Research Staff.
To interact and foster collaborations with the other staff networks within the University such as LGBT+ Staff Network, International Staff Network, University Women’s Network and Athena Swan Champions Network.

Our objectives

The University RSN will work with University Management to achieve the following objectives:

To promote and embed research culture at University level.
To input into the drafting of the 2025-2030 University Strategic Plan.
To support the University of Galway Strategic Goals of promoting decent, high standards of employment and fairness at work (CR07), transparent and equitable access to career development, progression and promotion (CR08) and culture of excellence in research, and as a destination of choice that nurtures, attracts and retains ambitious people (CE03).
To ensure that Research Staff members, in addition to all staff members, are treated with respect and are given appropriate recognition for their work and contribution within the University.
To ensure that Research Staff are viewed as key stakeholders within the University and are provided with an opportunity to participate in policy and key decision-making processes that indirectly and directly impact their roles as Research Staff.
Organize Research Culture Cáfes to enable Research Staff to communicate their views on the current Research Culture within the University and to share their opinions on what the University does well or the areas in which it can improve.
To organize social and networking events for Research Staff.
To communicate information relevant to Research Staff in a clear and timely manner.
To provide feedback to refine the current system of evaluating Research Staff career progression by ensuring the promotion criteria and processes are clear and transparent.
To provide increased awareness of the specific policies and practices that are most relevant to Research Staff.
To seek to improve the working conditions of Research Staff by exploring sustainable employment arrangements that will enhance job security.
To explore with the relevant University departments, mechanisms to promote the retention of Research Staff.