Joining forces for better Narrative CVs: insights, challenges, and next steps
On 13 June 2025, together with DORA, we hosted a workshop focused on inclusive Narrative CV guidance, bringing together a diverse group of participants involved in Narrative CV development and implementation.
Participants included underrepresented researchers learning to write Narrative CVs, professional trainers who deliver guidance and feedback, research and innovation support staff, experts studying Narrative CV practices, and representatives from funding bodies that have adopted this CV format.
We started the session by presenting insights from our project on the key barriers and facilitators to Narrative CV writing (see our concept map). We also shared our experiences with developing workshops and training materials aimed at supporting researchers in this process. Next, we reviewed a range of existing resources designed to help applicants write Narrative CVs (e.g., webpages, webinars, videos, templates, and workbooks). Our discussion was then centred on what is working well, what needs improvement, and where opportunities are currently being missed. We did this considering the perspective of underrepresented researchers. This helped us start identifying priorities to inform an action plan. The final part of the workshop was led by our partner DORA, which provided valuable perspectives from both funders and DORA’s own recommendations on the adoption of Narrative CVs. This part helped us highlight how existing guidance from funders and research assessment groups can be better aligned with the guidance and support provided to researchers.
We were lucky to have such a brilliant mix of expertise in the room. The diversity of perspectives helped us have conversations about the strengths and limitations of current guidance, as well as what still needs to be developed. The collaborative spirit was key, with everyone bringing valuable insights and ideas! The two-hour session flew by. While more time would have been welcome, we kept the workshop concise aware of participants’ time constraints.
The engaging discussion made us realise a clear takeaway: we need more opportunities to bring together people working on different Narrative CV projects to share knowledge and coordinate efforts across the community. By working together, we can make a clear shift in research culture and better support researchers, reviewers, and funders to achieve this.
If you want to learn more about the workshop, including recommended actions and proposed next steps, you can read our summary report here.
View the report online: https://doi.org/10.15126/901717