Foregrounding Positive Research Culture

A key theme emerging across the International Research Culture Conference 2023 (IRCC 2023) was the detrimental effect of excessive competition. Funders, institutions, and individual researchers from across the research landscape recognised that some actions intended to promote collaboration, and some measures of research culture, may contribute to an overly competitive research context that is detrimental to the research endeavour. This article reviews key findings from the conference that could combat too much competition. We highlight work on learning across the research landscape, and continuing developments in measurement and evaluation of research culture that are inclusive and adaptable across contexts. We suggest that these are key elements of progressing positive research cultures and that these should be prioritised for discussion at future conferences.