A Professional Research Investment and Strategy Manager (PRISM) is someone in a research organisation who works to enable the delivery and growth of large research investments.
The PRISM network is a grassroots organisation that brings the widely dispersed PRISM community across the UK together, and engages with funders and employers to drive a cultural shift towards better progression, recruitment and recognition for PRISMs.
The PRISM network works to address three interlinked key challenges around PRISM roles:
The PRISM network is a grassroots organisation that brings the widely dispersed PRISM community across the UK together, and engages with funders and employers to drive a cultural shift towards better progression, recruitment and recognition for PRISMs.
The PRISM network works to address three interlinked key challenges around PRISM roles:
- Career progression & professional development
- Recruitment & job security
- Recognition & belonging
It's free, including events
The PRISM Network connects you to a vibrant community of peers, offers training and development opportunities, and advocates for better recognition, progression, and job security in PRISM roles. By joining, you gain support, resources, and a collective voice to help shape the future of research investment management.
Notice board
Research Professional Futures funding announcement
The PRISM Network warmly welcomes the newly funded Research Professional Futures (RPF) project, a £4.5 million national initiative supported by Research England’s RED Fund. The programme launches in January 2026. Read more here
Upcoming events
All events are members-only events. Membership and events are free - join here. Signup links are in the newsletter. 1) Facilitation skills for PRISMs
Thursday 12 March 2026 & Tuesday 17 March 2026, 13:00-14:30This practical 90-minute session, led by Julia Slay of Facilitation 101 will offer a taster of two foundational facilitation skills: laying the groundwork for a successful session and building equal engagement and participation. You'll leave with tools and ideas you can immediately apply to your own work, whether you're facing tricky power dynamics, unhelpful derailers, or simply want to create spaces that feel more inclusive and productive. The session will be interactive and reflective, with real life examples and takeaways to build your skills and confidence.
2) What is research culture and how the heck do I make change happen?
Thursday 16 April 2026, 13:00–14:00We will hear from Emily Ennis, Research Culture Manager (University of Leeds), on operationalising culture change as research professionals. With major investment from Wellcome Trust and Research England, and REF2029’s emphasis on research culture within Strategy, People, and Research Environment, the sector is asking: what actually is research culture, and how do we make change happen at community, institution, and sector level? This presentation offers a snapshot of how the University of Leeds is effecting culture change, including industry best practice shaping their approach. Dr Emily Ennis will explore the operational and strategic foundations of research culture work, and insights from collaborations across finance, HR, researcher development, research offices, funders, consortia, and more. While senior leaders may set the tone, real change relies on those delivering it on the ground. This talk will reflect on what these roles mean professionally and personally, and how we can collectively make HEIs and research organisations better places to do research.
Last edited: 27 January 2026