The Researcher Wellbeing Network (formerly the Sexual Violence Researchers’ Group), actively explores contemporary research and policy/practice guidelines related to researchers' wellbeing (RWB), in order to strategise and enact changes that enhance the wellbeing of researchers studying sensitive and emotionally challenging research topics in the UK.
The RWN was formed in 2022 and is a working group made up of ARU staff and external partners who are currently, or have previously undertaken research which is sensitive or emotionally challenging.
RWB is often overlooked, or receives inadequate attention, particularly for researchers who work in sensitive and emotionally challenging research areas. Given the emotionally challenging nature of such research, existing support services are frequently insufficient and lack specialised focus to address the unique needs of researchers in these areas.
While the Network has achieved a number of important foundations since its inception, this work is ongoing. Our focus continues to sit across our two core strands: first, driving a cultural and attitudinal shift that recognises researcher wellbeing as an integral and shared responsibility; and second, developing and resourcing proactive, flexible, and responsive forms of support that reflect the realities of sensitive and emotionally challenging research.
Together, these strands guide our current activity and shape the work still to come: find out more about our achievements and current work.