Research Expertise

Research is, of course, what we do. The CamRDF identifies four competencies that every researcher should develop:

Research Expertise competencies 

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R1: Research Methods & Techniques

"I have the practical and theoretical understandings of the specific research methods and techniques appropriate for my project and field."

You need to be aware of which tools are available for your research. This could cover a range of skill types from experimental techniques, through effective literature searching, use of databases and technical software, to understanding the appropriate experimental design and statistical tools to use for your work.

Being able to select the appropriate tools for your work and then deploy them skilfully, perhaps adapting or developing them to further your research, are essential skills for any researcher.

You can develop these skills through courses run by your School and Department, through your practical work, and by talking with colleagues and your Supervisor.

You can also attend courses run by the Social Sciences Research Methods Centre, Bioinformatics Training Facility, MRC Biostatistics Unit, Cambridge Statistics Clinic, University Information Services, and University Library.

R2: Broader Disciplinary Knowledge

"I have the knowledge of my broader research field needed to operate within it effectively and connect with other researchers and disciplines."

Being able to make a rigorous contribution to specialised debates within your field is essential for any researcher, and relies on having a breadth and depth of subject knowledge, as well as an understanding of the conventions, history and network that make up your broader field.

This will also inform and give you confidence in research decisions that you make, and strengthen your ability to take advantage of and seek out collaborations, including those that span disciplines.

You can develop these skills by attending talks, departmental seminars and group meetings, and by reading the literature around your field extensively.

R3: Policy, Ethics & Integrity

"I know the ethical and legal requirements pertaining to my project and field needed to complete my research successfully."

All researchers both use and create information: you must know the ethical and legal rules on the accessing, storing, sharing and referencing of this information for your field, including copyright law surrounding the use of images, quotes and so on. You must also have a solid understanding of potential open access requirements from funders, and any IP concerns surrounding your project which could impact your work and publishing.

If your research involves human subjects, animals, disease, genetically-modified or other organisms, chemicals, technical equipment or fieldwork there will be strict health & safety requirements you must follow, as well as a strict code of ethics.

You can acquire this knowledge through training led by your Department, Faculty or School, as well as the Research Integrity office and online good research practice guides. You should also be learning good scholarly practice from your colleagues.

R4: Foreign & Programming Languages

"I know a foreign or programming language to an appropriate level to help me complete my research and develop my career."

Foreign languages are often essential to completing your research (for reading materials, field trips or internships, for example), but they can also be vital to expanding your future career opportunities.

Knowing one or more programming languages can likewise open many doors, both in undertaking your research and in your future career. For those in the sciences, being able to use at least one programming language is essential.

You can develop these skills through courses run by the Language Centre, as well as other forms of language support they offer. For coding languages, you can develop these skills through courses run by the University Information Services and the Bioinformatics Training Facility.


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