Our Becoming a Research-Oriented Professor development programme began in 2020, and since then it has become increasingly popular with the academic community, with places in high demand and expressions of interest being made from across the country.
We speak with programme alumnus Professor Christian Harrison, Professor of Leadership and Enterprise in the University of Bolton, and Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment in Greater Manchester Business School, to talk about his experience and how he became a Research-Oriented Professor.
Professor Christian Harrison
Christian Harrison is a Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Greater Manchester UK and the Director of the Centre for Leadership and Empowerment. He is also the Head of the Research and Doctoral College of the Off Campus Division. He leads the Research Excellence Framework (REF) for Business and Management in the Business School and is a well-known scholar in leadership, contributing to media outlets like STV, Scotland Tonight, and the Guardian Nigeria. He has authored numerous research papers and books, including the bestselling Leadership Theory and Research: A Critical Approach to New and Existing Paradigms.
Christian chairs the Leadership and Leadership Development SIG of the British Academy of Management and the Academy for African Studies. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Certified Management and Business Educator, and a Fellow of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management. He serves on several editorial boards and panels, and as an external examiner for many UK universities.
An expert consultant and speaker, he has delivered leadership training to the Scottish Government Directors, NHS, SMEs, and a host of others. Professor Harrison’s accolades include an Honorary Doctor of Innovation in Leadership, 2024 Distinguished Leadership Award and multiple Excellence Awards. He is also the founder of The Leadership Mould Initiative International, championing leadership development globally.
How did you hear about the Becoming a Research-Oriented Professor development programme?
I learned about the Research-Oriented Professor Programme through the British Academy of Management website where the programme was promoted. Intrigued by the emphasis on research, I decided to explore the details and found it aligning perfectly with my academic and research interests.
What interested you in taking part?
I am deeply passionate about advancing my expertise in research and contributing to the academic community. The Research-Oriented Professor Programme caught my attention as it offers a unique opportunity to work closely with seasoned facilitators and learn from their experience within the field. The programme's emphasis on fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment aligns perfectly with my aspirations to deepen my research capabilities and make meaningful contributions to my field. This programme offers the ideal platform for honing my research abilities and equipping me with the tools to excel as a research-oriented professor.
How was your experience of participating?
Participating in the Research-Oriented Professor Programme has been an enriching experience. The programme's dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on research discussions has enriched my understanding of my role. The sessions provided by the facilitators have been invaluable, guiding me through the nuances of effective research and academic leadership. The positive interactions with fellow participants were insightful and made me understand the challenges in their respective institutions. Overall, it has been a positive and enriching journey that has not only expanded my skill set but has also inspired me to pursue excellence in my academic career.
What was the key takeaway/learning point you gained from the programme?
The key takeaway from attending the Programme was the profound understanding that being a research-oriented professor is not just research but involves cultivating a mindset of continuous curiosity and adaptability. The programme instilled in me the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging me to seek inspiration from diverse fields to enhance the depth and breadth of my research. Furthermore, the workshops provided by the facilitators emphasised the significance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges, crafting your research identity, building your publication pipeline, generating research funding and providing effective and humane leadership in your field.
Would you recommend the Becoming a Research-Oriented Professor development programme to others?
Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend the Research-Oriented Professor Programme to others. This programme has proven to be an invaluable experience, offering a unique blend of theoretical knowledge, hands-on research discussions, and building a supportive network with the fellow participants. The collaborative environment and diverse perspectives encountered during the programme have been instrumental in broadening my understanding of best practice within my role as a professor. The wealth of resources provided, coupled with the emphasis on fostering a supportive research community, makes this programme an exceptional choice for anyone aspiring to excel as a professor and contribute meaningfully to their field.
Find out more...
To find out more about the Becoming a Research-Oriented Professor development programme, you can visit our webpage here.
Our full list of programmes designed to help guide our community of academics though their careers and professional pathways can be found on our Programmes page, along with the BAM Framework – a graphical representation of career pathways and stages in our discipline.