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Recognition & Rewards Culture Barometer findings

Broad support for the ambitions of the R&R programme, but change is not yet noticeable everywhere

 In January 2024, the Recognition & Rewards (R&R) national programme conducted a survey among scientists in 26 out of the 27 participating institutions. The Culture Barometer survey aimed to gain insight into the extent to which culture fostered by the R&R programme and its corresponding behaviours was recognised, experienced, and shared in the workplace.

The results of the culture barometer, to be announced on the 20 June 2025, provide valuable insights that will be used to refine the interventions of the R&R implementation phase.

The findings indicate broad support for the ambitions of the R&R programme and a shifting community mindset. However, this change is not yet noticeable everywhere. Therefore, the recommendation is to continue the dialogue within the institutions and involve scientists from all functional groups.

Where does UM stand at the moment? 
Maastricht University is actively engaged with the Recognition & Rewards (R&R) programme. With a response rate well above the national average, our academic community has shown keen interest in adopting a new cultural framework that values diverse academic contributions. A considerable number of respondents are familiar with the ambitions of the R&R programme, surpassing national averages. This solid awareness forms a crucial foundation as we continue to shift our cultural paradigm.

And how do we proceed? 
To build on our current momentum, we will focus on areas where change has been less noticeable and enhance our communication and engagement strategies. We are committed to continuing the dialogue, involving scientists from all functional groups to ensure that the values and goals of the R&R programme resonate throughout all disciplines and roles within our institution. Moreover, we encourage our community to read the detailed results of the Culture Barometer and reflect on them together with us. 

Please send your insights and potential ideas for interventions and directions to recognitionrewards@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

While we may not respond to each email due to the volume, please rest assured that we will read and consider every suggestion and reflection as we plan our next steps. Our focus will remain on making visible changes in policies and practices that align with the needs of our community and the ambitions of the programme, fostering an inclusive environment that recognises and values every contribution towards a more balanced and supportive academic setting.

More information about the culture barometer 
The culture barometer questionnaire was sent to over 65,000 scientists across 26 different institutions (universities, university medical centres, and research institutes). Nearly 8,000 respondents completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 12.1%.

The results are published in the report Culture Barometer E&W.

General info about E&W 
Since 2020, Dutch universities, university medical centres, research institutes, and scientific financiers have been working together within the Recognition & Rewards programme to foster cultural change and create more space for the various talents of scientists. Many scientists experience a unilateral emphasis on (quantitative) research performance, which often leads to insufficient appreciation for work in other domains.

As part of the (international) scientific community, UM is fully committed to this programme, aiming to create an inclusive environment that accommodates all talents and fairly acknowledges achievements in education, research, impact, leadership, and patient care within our university medical centres.

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