A lack of formal career paths for people who want to manage research rather than carry it out means that UK universities are failing to deliver the full benefits of their work, the leaders of a new project have warned. Unlike countries such as the US, where research management is regarded as a profession with its own recognised qualifications, British staff tend to be recruited from backgrounds as diverse as accountancy, industry and general management. Many have to develop the specific skills they need as they go along. Recent legislation requiring universities to calculate the full economic cost of their projects and meet specific ethics criteria has added to a list of responsibilities that can include negotiating contracts, formulating strategy, budgeting and managing intellectual property.
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