HR Excellence in Research Award

SOAS is committed to supporting and developing our research staff (postdoctoral researchers, research assistants and independently funded research fellows).

Who do we mean by "research staff"?

Our definition of research staff is drawn from the Concordat and defines researchers as individuals whose primary responsibility is to conduct research and who are employed for this purpose. We also recognise that ‘research staff’ refers to a wide range of staff including those with:

Different disciplinary backgrounds
Varying levels of training, including Early Career Researchers
Wide variety of different experiences and responsibility types
Different types of contract (fixed or permanent, full or part time)
Diverse career expectations

What is the Concordat?

The Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers sets out the expectations and responsibilities of researchers, their managers, employers and funders. It aims to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of research careers in the UK and to improve the quantity, quality and impact of research for the benefit of UK society.

The School is committed to the The Concordat Principles to support the career development of researchers. The 2023 report for the Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers is available to download.

SOAS progress against the Concordat Principles is measured by the HR Excellence in Research Award. Over 120 other institutions hold this award across the UK.