The University of Sheffield is launching a new Narrative CV open resource to support researchers in showcasing their diverse contributions beyond traditional academic metrics. What makes this resource particularly valuable is its dual focus: it not only helps researchers craft narrative CVs that accurately reflect their multifaceted achievements but also supports reviewers in evaluating these CVs fairly and consistently. It provides a structured framework, practical examples tailored to different career stages and disciplines, and guidance for assessing diverse academic outputs.
The resource was developed by Dr. Jane Alfred, Director of Catalyst Editorial Ltd and Claire Sykes, Research Growth Lead in the University of Sheffield’s Faculty of Science. It has been shaped by Sheffield’s commitment to a more holistic approach to evaluating research contributions, including mentorship, collaboration, public engagement, and societal impact. And this resource aims to foster fairness, inclusivity, and recognition within the academic community, aligning with the evolving standards and expectations set by major UK research funders.
View the Narrative CV open resource
Distinctive Features of the Resource
- Diverse Examples: This resource provides a library of sample narrative CV modules tailored for different career stages and disciplines, including both STEM and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS) researchers. These examples serve as guides to help researchers articulate and evidence their contributions.
- Structured Framework: This resource can be searched in several ways: by career stage, academic discipline and by module. It includes examples for each of the four modules that commonly feature in UK narrative CV templates, which broadly cover contributions to knowledge, talent development, to the research community, and to wider society. This structured framework enables researchers to find sample modules that might be of most relevance to them.
- Guidance for Assessors: Beyond aiding researchers, this resource offers tools for reviewers to evaluate narrative CVs consistently and fairly, considering the applicant's career stage and discipline.
- Support for Training and Guidance: The materials are designed to support training sessions and workshops, facilitating peer discussions and highlighting best practices in crafting and assessing narrative CVs. They are also intended to assist and support professional services staff involved with supporting those writing and reviewing narrative CVs in their institutions.
Professor John Flint, who has been a key supporter of this initiative, used part of the University’s Enhancing Research Culture funding to support the delivery of training programs and the development of this online resource.
Professor Flint said: “I am delighted that we have launched this important new open resource, which we hope will support many colleagues across the sector in their use of narrative CVs. Our ambition is for a dynamic resource that expands and develops over time.”
By emphasising the broader context and impact of academic work, the University of Sheffield's Narrative CV resource represents a vital step toward more inclusive and comprehensive research evaluation.
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the researchers across the University who shared their narrative CVs, which contributed to the development of this open resource. We are also grateful to members of the wider community who provided valuable feedback during its development.