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Short abstract:

This paper examines the institutionalisation of research reform movements through top-down 'research culture' initiatives. Using the University of Edinburgh as a case study, we focus on elucidating the extent to which top-down initiatives are aligned with 'successful' existing bottom-up initiatives.

Long abstract:

Spurred initially by concerns within particular scientific communities over the reliability of published research, its accessibility, and the negative effects of competition, improving ‘research culture’ has become an increasingly prominent subject at UK universities. Here, we examine the construction of 'research culture’ during the recent wave of institutionalisation of research reform movements, and how this is being translated into policy initiatives that focus on changing particular research practices and processes. Using the University of Edinburgh as a case study, notable for having recently published its first ‘Research Cultures Action Plan’, we are particularly interested in elucidating the extent to which top-down initiatives are aligned with 'successful' existing bottom-up initiatives, such as the ReproducibiliTea Journal Club. To understand these dynamics, we analyse key documents and processes, while also drawing on our own involvement with specific cases, including the implementation of Responsible Metrics, the development of Responsible Innovation processes, and the UCU strike to improve reward, workload, equality, and casualisation. By highlighting places of convergence and divergence, hot spots and blind spots, we aim to find routes and roles for productive engagement with these institutional reforms, while questioning the role of STS as a social movement within these dynamics.