Resources

PRISM statistics

~ 93% of PRISMs identify as women;
~ 70% of PRISMs have a postgraduate degree, including 43% at PhD level and 27% at Master's level;

~ 90% of PRISMs have more than 11 years of work experience.

More than 52% of the highly educated and experienced PRISM community members are employed on fixed term contracts.

(Data as of May 2025)

PRISM documents

PRISM report: An introduction to PRISMs 2022
PRISM report: A Day in the life of a PRISM 2025
PRISM response: REF consultation on People, Culture and Environment 2023
PRISM response: Nurse Review 2023
PRISM report: Current challenges and next steps 2020
PRISM external presentation: The value of research teams 2020

Resources for CDT PRISMs

The following resources highlight the essential contributions by PRISMs to CDT design, delivery, and assessment, and argues that formally recognising them as co-investigators supports better bids, fairer career progression, and a stronger research environment overall.

PRISM presentation: PRISMs in CDTs 2024
PRISM report: Review of the involvement of PRISMs in the 2023 UKRI/EPSRC CDT call
PRISM report: PRISM Framework for CDT setup 2024

Resources for PRISMs in networks

PRISM report: How to set up a local PRISM network [Zenodo]
Network of networks - the network management resource [website]

PRISM professional development

LSTM guide: Research Programme Management Roles. A useful resource which gives you guidance on how to excel in your current role and prepare for your next one.
UCL ARC guide: PRISM job description pack. A document which details the duties, expectations and competencies of PRISM roles across multiple grades
ARMA guide: Professional Development Framework for Research Managers and Administrators
Health Innovation Network guide: Research Programme Manager Development Framework. A framework to assist with career development:

UK initiatives of relevance to PRISMs

UKRI report: People and teams action plan 2023
BEIS report: R&D People and Culture Strategy 2021
Russel Group report: Realising our Potential - Backing Talent and Strengthening UK Research Culture and Environment 2021

Useful networks for PRISMs

Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA)
Center for Scientific Collaboration and Community Engagement (CSCCE)
HiddenREF - a campaign increasing awareness of the vital role of non-traditional outputs and Hidden Roles in the UK and beyond.
Research Project Managers' Network for PRISMs in the North West