RSA CE&C 2015-2021

4. Major developments during the review period 29 • During the recent period, the organization of research staff in academia has changed from a more hierarchical structure towards an organization in which independent researchers with interconnected expertise work together in larger research groups. Scientific staff members are expected to develop themselves into independent researchers early in their careers. New hires preferably initiate new research areas with optimum synergistic overlap with existing activities while maintaining the topical balance of competences in the department. At the same time, multidisciplinary research at the interface between disciplines is stimulated. However, full independence does not exist and all scientific staff share a joint responsibility for the education and research program of the department. Within this context of scientific independence and shared responsibility, the department gives room to all staff members to develop their own independent scientific profile, as well as to tailored scientific development and differentiation in career paths. In alignment with this, the quality of science and education in the department should remain at the same high level, which puts a strong responsibility on all scientists and on the definition of career paths and criteria for selection and promotion. Also, adapting the current organization to this rapidly changing academic landscape requires new organizational structures and an alignment of expectations. The department has the responsibility to find a balance involving all of these aspects.