This week Liz Goodyear, Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub Programme Manager and lead for our professional standards for place-based research partnerships workstream, attended the second annual Professional Research Investment Strategy Manager (PRISM) conference.
PRISM roles are vital to ensuring professional standards in partnership working, particularly in the context of place-based research collaborations. These roles provide the critical infrastructure, expertise, and governance necessary to build impactful and sustainable relationships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and their local communities, including policymakers, practitioners, and citizens.
By facilitating collaborative frameworks and aligning efforts with established principles of effective partnership, PRISMs help to navigate the complexities of joint research endeavours, ensuring that outcomes are both impactful and aligned with strategic objectives. Their contributions directly support the development of robust systems and processes, enhancing institutional capacity to engage meaningfully in place-based initiatives. This alignment with professional standards fosters trust, accountability, and shared purpose, which are foundational to achieving the instrumental, conceptual, and capacity-building outcomes identified as key goals of impactful partnerships.
Driving visibility and recognition
The second annual PRISM National Conference, held at the historic Guildhall in York, gathered professionals from across the UK to reflect on the value of Professional Research Investment Strategy Managers (PRISMs). The event spotlighted innovative strategies for advocating PRISM’s role in fostering stakeholder engagement and shaping career development opportunities within higher education institutions (HEIs).
With a theme focused on driving visibility and recognition for PRISMs, attendees delved into shared challenges and successes, celebrating the strides made in embedding these roles across the academic landscape.
A warm welcome from York
Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of York, opened the conference by emphasising the transformative impact of PRISMs. As vital contributors to research outputs and institutional impact, he applauded their role in bridging gaps between academia, management, and external stakeholders. “You are the key to delivering outcomes and impact,” he noted, celebrating the ability of PRISMs to keep research “right side up” through effective collaboration and best practices.
Claudia Matz, from the PRISM Committee, provided an update on the network’s progress and initiatives, underscoring the importance of community building and mutual learning among PRISM professionals.
Panels and Key Themes: Advocating for Value
A lively panel discussion brought together senior management, funders, academics, and support service leaders. Chaired by Isabella von Holstein, the session addressed the critical need for embedding PRISMs within institutional frameworks. Panellists included Sarah King (EPSRC), Prof. Roddy Vann (Fusion CDT), Ciara Merrick (University of Edinburgh), and Clare Mawdsley-Geoghegan (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine).
Key takeaways from the panel included:
- Diverse Contributions: From acting as Co-Investigators (Co-Is) to participating on assessment panels, PRISMs bring added value to funding applications and project execution.
- Challenges of Fixed-Term Contracts (FTCs): Instability caused by FTCs hinders career progression and leads to loss of expertise. Advocates argued for open-ended contracts as a pathway to job security and sustainability.
- Leadership and Visibility: Panellists emphasised PRISMs’ leadership roles, including chairing committees, mentoring, and contributing to senior management teams.
Sarah King reflected on the 2023 CDT assessment process, where PRISMs’ expertise ensured key criteria were addressed. “PRISMs make my life easier,” remarked Prof. Roddy Vann, showcasing how PRISM contributions streamline large-scale grant management.
Interactive Sessions: A Day in the Life
A group activity titled “A Day in the Life” highlighted the multifaceted nature of PRISM roles. Participants collaborated to co-create case studies demonstrating their responsibilities, challenges, and successes. These narratives will serve as powerful tools to communicate the value of PRISMs to institutional stakeholders.
Training for Tomorrow: The RAMP Programme
Lorelei Silvester from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine shared insights into the RAMP (Research Administration and Management Programme) training initiative. This three-day workshop series equips research support staff with the skills to handle externally funded grants effectively. Covering 21 subject areas, RAMP serves as a model for PRISM-specific development programs, emphasising the need for consistent and accessible training opportunities.
PRISM Advocacy: Building a Stronger Network
A highlight of the conference was the session on PRISM Research Proposals, where attendees contributed to a funding bid aimed at professionalising the network. By formalising resources and support, this initiative seeks to address gaps in training and career development while amplifying the PRISM voice across HEIs.
Case Studies: Chalking Up Success
The afternoon concluded with inspirational presentations showcasing the diverse impact of PRISM professionals:
- Helen Knight (University of Warwick) celebrated the growing adoption of Co-I status for PRISMs, a significant milestone for role recognition.
- Kelly Davidge (University of Sheffield) shared lessons learned from establishing local networks that foster community and collaboration.
- Ian Hancox (University of Warwick) reflected on the Technician Commitment paradigm, advocating for the recognition of technical roles within research.
These case studies illustrated the tangible difference PRISMs make in advancing research culture, project management, and institutional capacity.
Looking Ahead
As the conference wrapped up, there was a shared sense of optimism and urgency. Attendees agreed that while strides have been made in recognizing PRISMs, challenges like FTCs, inconsistent job descriptions, and limited career pathways persist. The call to action was clear: advocate, educate, and collaborate to ensure PRISMs receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Reflecting on the day, one participant noted, “PRISMs take on the critical tasks that allow researchers to focus on what they do best. It’s time we spoke the same language and worked together to ensure these roles are valued.”
The 2024 PRISM National Conference not only showcased the vital contributions of PRISM professionals but also laid the groundwork for continued advocacy and innovation. As the network grows, so too does the potential to transform research management across HEIs.
Looking forward to the 2025 conference, we’re eager to see how these conversations evolve and what progress is made in advancing PRISM recognition and sustainability.
This blog was written by Elizabeth Goodyear, Programme Manager at City-REDI, University of Birmingham.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI or the University of Birmingham.