You may wish to pursue a research career outside of higher education. The commercial and public sectors undertake large volumes of research and all value the experience and skills of academic researchers. Depending on your discipline, you could pursue a research career in:
- Charities and NGOs
- Cultural organisations
- Industry
- Central and local government
- Research institutes and research funders (such as research councils)
- Social research organisations
- Market research organisations
- Think tanks (the University of Oxford have produced an excellent guide on working for think tanks)
The Careers Group (University of London) have produced a comprehensive guide to research careers outside of academia.
The RCUK webpages feature case studies highlighting the opportunities research skills can give. The case studies can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/careersinresearch.
Case study
Dr Mayank Anand was a Research Tribologist in the R&D Department of Daido Metal Co. Ltd. He completed his PhD at Bournemouth University before making the transition to a researcher in industry. Read Mayank’s case study for information on his career progression.
3C Online Social: Thursday 26 March 1–2pm – Research Culture, Community & Can you Guess Who?
Four BU students at national midwifery conference
INRC book roundtable/presentation by Drs Jonathan Cole and Catherine Talbot, Wednesday 22/04/2026, 13:00h, P426
BU M.Res. student’s evidence to UK Parliamentary Women & Equalities Committee
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Apply now
ECR Funding Open Call: Research Culture & Community Grant – Application Deadline Friday 12 December
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025 Call
ERC Advanced Grant 2025 Webinar
Update on UKRO services
European research project exploring use of ‘virtual twins’ to better manage metabolic associated fatty liver disease