Evolving roles in academia

24th June 2024

At Digital Science, our vision is to create a future where a trusted and collaborative research ecosystem drives progress for all. But academia is a village. There are many different roles in a university, not just researchers. If you have one of these roles, we’d love to hear from you. How did you get there? How is it changing? The skillsets of librarians today are vastly different to the skillsets needed pre-web. University Deans are the equivalent of CEOs of enormous companies.

As part of our commitment to the academic community, we have created a global survey, designed to assess the evolving roles in academia, the challenges on the horizon, and the impact of technology and other external forces on these changes.

The survey is aimed at non-research academic staff. The list of who we would love to hear from is listed below and you can find the survey here. We would love to hear your thoughts and we really appreciate your time.

Academia is at a pivotal juncture. The traditional roles and structures within universities and research institutions are transforming rapidly. Factors such as technological advancements, funding dynamics, and societal expectations are driving this change. To understand these shifts better and anticipate future trends, gathering insights directly from those at the heart of academia is crucial.

Our survey aims to capture a comprehensive picture of these evolving roles. We are interested in learning about your experiences, perspectives, and predictions. By contributing your voice, you can help us identify the key areas that need attention and innovation.

What to expect from the survey

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. It covers a range of topics, including:

  • Current Roles and Responsibilities: How have your roles and responsibilities evolved in recent years? What new roles have emerged, and what traditional roles are becoming obsolete?
  • Challenges and Opportunities: What are the most significant challenges you face in your role? What opportunities do you see for growth and development?
  • Impact of Technology: How is technology affecting your work? Which tools and platforms are you using, and how effective are they?
  • Future Predictions: What changes do you foresee in the next five to ten years? How do you think your role and the broader academic landscape will evolve?

Your responses will be anonymized and aggregated to ensure privacy and confidentiality. The findings from this survey will be shared with the academic community, providing valuable insights that can inform policy, practice, and innovation.

How to participate

Participating in our survey is easy and can be done at your convenience. Click here to start the survey. Your input is invaluable, and we greatly appreciate the time and effort you take to share your experiences and insights.

Thank you for considering our invitation. We look forward to your participation and to sharing the insights we gain with the academic community. Together, we can drive progress and create a future where research thrives.

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