Background
Research Fundermentals was set up in 2009 by Phil Ward while he was working for Research Services at the University of Kent. It came about as a result of his exploration of ways to connect both within the University and beyond.
It has grown significantly since then, and has become a touchstone of background intelligence, insight and humour for the UK research community, winning an ARMA award for technology innovation and application along the way.
Who the hell is Phil Ward anyway?
Phil is Director of the Eastern Arc Academic Research Consortium (Arc). Eastern Arc brings together the universities of East Anglia, Essex and Kent to facilitate collaboration, the sharing of equipment, resources and other skills and knowledge.
Previously, he was Deputy Director of Research Services at the University of Kent, and was responsible for the research development team. He worked strategically to maximise the University’s research income and its research culture more broadly. Prior to that he worked for a funder, the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
He continues to engage widely within the sector, including leading conference sessions at ARMA and EARMA, and workshops put on by individual universities.
As well as this he has written for a range of publications, including a monthly column for Research Professional’s Funding Insight, and guest articles such as those on the f1000 and Piirus blogs. He undertook a secondment as an editor for Research Professional between 2017-18, and continues to have close ties with them.
Want to join in?
We’re always on the look out for ideas, thoughts and opinions. Want to see your name in lights (or at least a sickly kind of mustard colour)? Drop us a line and talk us through your ideas. We’d love to hear from you!
Site credits
- Design and template: the site was designed on WordPress using the Bravada template and Elementor plug-in.
- Landing page images: various photographers on Unsplash. Do go and have a look for all your free photo needs
- Icon image: “letter F” by Leo Reynolds is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0