ID060 Adjunctive Researchers

The Idea

The idea is to strategically increase research productivity and international collaboration by introducing adjunct researchers. Adjunct researchers are external collaborators formally affiliated with Keele University for a fixed term (e.g. 1–3 years), contributing to research outputs, funding applications, and international collaboration. They will work within specific research groups aligned with their expertise.  

Adjunct researchers would contribute directly to research outputs through collaborative publications and grant applications, and indirectly to institutional performance through enhanced REF outputs and international rankings.  

This model is aligned with common practices in higher education and has been previously implemented at different international institutions, where it was associated with increased research activity, improved international engagement, and strengthened position in global rankings during the period of implementation.  

For adjunct researchers, the model offers: 

• Opportunities for co-authored publications 
• Access to training and methodological development 
• Participation in collaborative grant applications 

For Keele, the model provides: 

• Increased research capacity without significant permanent staffing costs 
• Expanded international collaboration networks 
• Access to a broader range of funding opportunities, including European, Asian and African funding schemes. 

Why This Idea Should Be Considered

This approach offers a scalable and strategic way to enhance research productivity and global engagement with relatively low structural investment. 

Adjunct researchers would: 

• Increase research outputs by contributing to publications within existing research groups 
• Strengthen grant competitiveness, particularly in international and cross-institutional applications 
• Expand Keele’s presence in global research networks and collaborations  

Evidence of Feasibility 

A similar model was implemented at the University of Bern, Switzerland, where: 

• Research productivity increased at the research groups’ level 
• Participation in major funding schemes (e.g. Horizon 2020 / MSCA) expanded 
• International profile improved during the implementation period 

This demonstrates that the model is practical, scalable, and impactful. 

Importantly, the model allows Keele to leverage existing expertise and infrastructure while maximising output through strategic collaboration rather than major financial investment. 

How We Would Implement This Idea

The implementation would follow a structured and scalable model: 

1. Recruitment and Selection 
   • Adjunct researchers would be selected through a competitive process based on CVs and alignment with existing research groups 
   • Candidates would be interviewed by the host research group 
   • Individual plans would be agreed, ensuring alignment between candidate objectives and institutional priorities 
2. Appointment and Role Definition 
   • Fixed-term contracts (1–3 years) 
   • Clearly defined expectations, including:  
     • Publications 
     • Grant applications 
     • Research collaboration 
3. Support and Development 
   • Access to relevant training within Keele (e.g. methodological training, research skills) 
   • Integration into existing research groups 
   • Support from research group leaders 
4. Funding Model 
   • Participation in funded projects where costs (e.g. UK Biobank access) are covered through grants 
   • Access to external datasets contingent on appropriate funding arrangements 
   • Potential for case-by-case strategic investment where justified  
5. Governance, Risk and Oversight:
   • A structured governance framework would ensure research integrity and data protection: 
     • Controlled, time-limited access to systems and datasets 
     • Approval required from IT services and research group leads for data access 
     • All work conducted within monitored institutional environments (e.g. shared drives) 
     • Clear contractual agreements outlining responsibilities and expectations 
     • Central oversight of the initiative, led by the proposer, in coordination with research group leads, IT services, and university governance structures  
6. Sustainability 
   • Pilot implementation within selected research groups 
   • Gradual scaling based on outcomes and capacity 
   • Continuous review of outputs and impact

Important Considerations: 

Status, Rights and Responsibilities: Adjunct researchers: 

• Would not be employees of Keele University 
• Would not receive remuneration 
• May use the title “Adjunct researcher at Keele University” where appropriate 
• Would be expected to comply with all institutional policies, including research integrity and data protection 

Termination of Status: Adjunct researcher status may be withdrawn at any time if: 

• Collaboration ceases 
• Expected contributions are not met 
• There are breaches of institutional policies or research integrity 

What Success Would Look Like

Success would be reflected in both qualitative and quantitative outcomes: 

Short-Term (Pilot Phase) 

• Establishment of adjunct researcher roles within selected research groups 
• Increased collaboration activity and early outputs (publications, grant submissions) 

Medium-Term 

• Growth in international research partnerships 
• Increased volume and quality of research outputs 
• Enhanced participation in international funding schemes 

Long-Term 

• Expansion of Keele’s global research network 
• Sustained improvement in research productivity and REF contribution 
• Strengthened international reputation and ranking performance 
• A successful model would initially operate at a small scale and expand across departments based on demonstrated effectiveness and capacity.