The School of Biological Sciences has secured funding from the UKRI EPSRC EDI Hub+ to support a 12-month pilot expansion of the Roving Researcher Scheme to physical sciences disciplines across the University of Cambridge. In partnership with the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry and the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, this initiative will provide opportunities to test and adapt our successful model in a diverse range of fields and team structures.
The Roving Researcher Scheme in the School of Biological Sciences was launched in March 2024, inspired by the highly successful initiative established at the Babraham Institute. The scheme, currently funded by the School and the University’s Enhancing Research Culture fund, supports scientists if they need substantial time away from the lab (e.g. parental leave) by providing skilled ‘roving researchers’ in temporary placements to maintain projects during or after extended leave. By preserving research momentum, the scheme promotes equitable career progression, particularly for women and primary caregivers, while offering researchers an alternative career path and fostering a more inclusive research culture.
Prof Laura Itzhaki, Roving Researcher scheme co-lead, said: “Our Roving Researcher pilot scheme has been running for almost two years, and we already have substantial evidence of both the need for and the impact of the scheme. By extending the scheme beyond the School of Biological Sciences we will further demonstrate its importance and effectiveness in levelling the playing field for carers and the substantial opportunity costs of not doing so, as well as provide a model for a new type of research career. Our hope is to obtain a permanent University-funded team of Rovers following completion of the School’s pilot and EDI Hub+ award.”
The funding from the EDI Hub+ will support two roving researchers who will provide support in the targeted departments, coordinated via the existing Roving Researcher Scheme, including co-design and stakeholder engagement workshops, and a UK-wide showcase event. This expansion aligns with the EDI Hub+’s mission to create an inclusive research and innovation system by supporting interventions that remove barriers and promote equitable career progression.
Professor James Keeler, head of our department and project partner, said: “Research in biology and chemical biology is a significant part of our activity in the Department, and an area in which temporary loss of expertise or capacity can be very detrimental to progress. On hearing about this scheme, I was immediately struck by how useful it could be, and I am delighted that we are now a partner.”
Liz Simmonds, Head of Research Culture at the University of Cambridge, said: “I’m excited by the potential of this project to bring positive change to research culture because it tackles several issues at once: challenging traditional models of research delivery, piloting new career paths in research and at the same time supporting those who need to take a break from their research work.”
The award comes through the EDI Hub+ Flexible Fund, which enables projects to pilot, scale up, and evaluate practical interventions that improve research culture and support diverse talent across the UK.
Dr Paula Bailey, Head of Talent and Skills at EPSRC said: “Creating an inclusive research and innovation system is essential to unlocking the full potential of talent across the UK. These projects demonstrate how practical, evidence-based interventions can make a real difference to research culture. Through the EDI Hub+ Flexible Fund, we are supporting the community to share what works and scale solutions that foster diversity and inclusion in Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences.”
