The Vitae CEDARS () is undertaken by universities and research institutes who wish to evaluate the experiences of researchers, academics and research enabling staff, gathering anonymous data about the research environment, working conditions, career aspirations and professional development opportunities for those conducting and supporting research.
In 2025, CEDARS was undertaken by 53 UK Universities, and in Portsmouth, more than 500 members of academic staff, contract researchers and research enablers provided valid responses to the survey on all key questions (49% response rate.)
We have been working over the last few months to analyse the quantitative and qualitative responses across all areas of the survey, to highlight strengths and, crucially, identify areas for improvement. This analysis is now being taken forward for consultation with key stakeholder groups, including the Research Culture Development Group, for prioritisation and action planning.
To avoid duplication and ensure efficiency, there will not be a separate CEDARS action plan. Actions arising are to be included in the institutional Research Culture Pillars Action Plans or the Researchers’ Concordat action plan for 2026-2029, both of which are being consulted on currently - links to follow once finalised.
As and when actions are completed, they will be detailed on this page as a ‘You Said, We Did’. Watch this space! If you would like to speak to anyone about the outcomes of the CEDARS survey and/or get involved in the resulting actions, please contact researchculture@port.ac.uk.
Use the links below to find out more about the initial findings from the survey.
Using CEDARS insights to drive change
Key findings from the 2025 Culture, Employment and Development of Academic Researchers survey.
National CEDARS benchmarking report
