Protocol for a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite: an active learning programme to foster positive research culture through leadership development at Cardiff University

Hennah, Charlotte, Rizwan, Maleeha, Edwards, Nicola, Beckett, Hayley, Convery, Michele, Dawson, Heidi, Morris, Jonathan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3463-5277, Rigby, Mair, Vilares, James, Wahl-Jorgensen, Karin ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8461-5795, Williams, Rebecca ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2168-7369 and Gameiro, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2496-2004 2025. Protocol for a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite: an active learning programme to foster positive research culture through leadership development at Cardiff University. PLoS ONE 20 (2) , e0319020. 10.1371/journal.pone.0319020

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Abstract

A recent UKRI call for training programmes to improve research culture at Higher Education Institutions led Cardiff University to design Cynnau|Ignite. This active learning programme intends to foster positive research culture practices through empowering staff towards leadership on this agenda, and by embedding learners in environments where these practices are highly valued. Cynnau|Ignite will be implemented within Cardiff University as three tailored programmes, dependant on job roles: Teaching and Research (64 learners), Research-Only (32 learners), and Professional Services, Technicians and Specialists (32 learners). This protocol details a theory-based, mixed methods evaluation of Cynnau|Ignite’s effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility as a tool to improve research culture practices and perceptions within Cardiff University. This knowledge will help inform future iterations of Cynnau|Ignite and similar initiatives, while advancing methods for the evaluation of positive research culture practices, and has potential to inform choices regarding funding and evaluation of research culture initiatives at other Higher Education Institutions. Here, we outline the Cynnau|Ignite Theory of Change used to inform our primary outcomes and describe our plan to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness by measuring learners’ self-reported positive research culture practices (intentions and behaviours) before and after taking part in Cynnau|Ignite, in comparison to a control group of staff who were not involved in the programme. Additionally, data monitoring, sessions observation, and semi-structured interviews will be conducted to establish programme acceptability and feasibility for stakeholders including learners, the delivery team, and university management. We hypothesise Cynnau|Ignite will be largely acceptable and effective in boosting learners’ positive research culture intentions compared to a control group, but believe behavioural implementation may be adversely affected by common barriers such as insufficient time and resources. Overall, we expect Cynnau|Ignite to improve short-term positive research culture practices and perceptions at Cardiff University, but its potential long-term impact is unclear.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Welsh ?? VCO ?? Schools > Psychology Schools > Journalism, Media and Culture ?? RESIS ??
Publisher:	Public Library of Science
ISSN:	1932-6203
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 March 2025
Date of Acceptance:	23 January 2025
Last Modified:	06 Mar 2025 14:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/176652

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