Funded by a generous philanthropic donation, the Loughborough University Research Academy (LURA) builds on the University’s established strengths in research culture, training and development.
LURA fosters an inclusive, ambitious and collaborative research environment, empowering researchers and research-enabling professionals at every career stage to excel. Through innovative development opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and opportunity, LURA nurtures talent, strengthens research excellence and increases impact.
LURA brings together and amplifies the wide range of support available across the University, creating a more connected and coherent experience for our research community. Working in partnership with colleagues and teams across the institution, the Academy develops innovative approaches to professional development, collaboration and leadership. By building on existing strengths and creating new opportunities, LURA helps researchers and research-enabling professionals thrive, driving excellence, impact and positive change.
Building an inclusive research culture
LURA champions a research culture where everyone can contribute, develop and succeed. Our community includes researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, technical specialists, professional services colleagues, and teaching staff, recognising that excellent research depends on the expertise, contributions and collaboration of people across many roles and career stages.
We are committed to driving meaningful and measurable culture change. By listening to lived experiences and analysing participation, progression and engagement data, we are building a robust evidence base to understand what works, identify opportunities for improvement, and assess our impact against the University's research and innovation culture ambitions.
Creating an inclusive and thriving research environment is a shared responsibility. Through LURA, Schools and senior leaders are supported to take an active role in enabling engagement with professional and career development opportunities, ensuring that all members of our research community have the opportunity to grow, contribute and reach their potential.
Core objectives
Foster
a thriving research culture recognised as a top institutional priority.
Lead
manage, and co-ordinate development of the research community.
Cultivate
diverse and inclusive research leaders and innovators.
Promote
interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships.
Deliver
comprehensive training and career development pathways.
Establish
sector-leading measurement and assessment of research culture.