(S1E7) Meet the Culturositists: Introducing Catherine (Cat) Davies

In our weekly Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter? This episode is part of Season 1, where we get to meet the hosts in a bit more detail before they go on to host seasons on their specialist topic. In this episode we mix things up a bit and bring you the insights from one of the driving forces in the work on Research Culture across the sector.  Your host Emma Spary is joined by Professor Catherine (Cat) Davies.Cat Davies is the Dean for Research Culture at the University of Leeds, leading on our work to create and implement a Research Culture Strategy to drive cultural change, built around 5 areas: Professional Development, Reward and RecognitionOpen Research and ImpactResponsible Research and InnovationEquity, Diversity and Inclusion in ResearchCollegiate and Supportive Environment<br/>You can connect to Cat on Twitter (@Cat_Davies or @ResCultureLeeds). I ask Cat what she thinks the biggest challenges are for cultural change, what is happening across the sector, where she thinks we can improve and what she hopes to see in the future. Her main messages include:What interested her in this new Dean for Research Culture role at Leeds, her personal and professional motivationsThe acknowledgement across the sector that poor research culture results in a loss of great talent and failure to attract other great talentThe enormous role research technicians play in delivering research and how this needs to be better recognisedIn taking stock of her first 12 months in role, she is most proud of the grassroots initiatives and what they are achievingHow she hopes the gains we have made in Open Research will become business as usual over the next few years, and that Research Culture is more prominent in funding calls<br/>Cat also references several initiatives including:A case-study we produced at Leeds on sharing interview questions in advanceThe Black Women Professor schemeOur Research Culture AwardsResearch Culture Crucible<br/>Be sure to check out the other episodes in this season to find out more about the hosts Emma Spary, Ged Hall, Tony Bromley, Ruth Winden and Nick Sheppard with a few special guest appearances.Links:Researcher Development and Culture WebsiteOur Concordat Implementation plans and progressUniversity of Leeds Research Culture StatementUniversity of Leeds Responsible Metrics StatementUniversity of Leeds Open Research Statement<br/>Follow us on twitter: @ResDevLeeds,