Appraisal and RAE 2008

We plan to use the staff appraisal process to assist with our preparations for RAE 2008. The idea is that, in addition to the normal appraisal, the nominated RAE research outputs and esteem indicators will be discussed. In particular, the appraisal should investigate whether these can be strengthened in the time remaining until the census date (31.12.07 for research outputs; 31.10.07 for esteem indicators). We have checked with Human Resources, who confirm that this is an appropriate use of the appraisal mechanism.

In preparation for RAE 2008, we are collecting various pieces of information relevant to Category A staff: their nominated research outputs, their esteem indicators, any research grants they hold, etc. The information relevant to each appraisee is collected on a web page. Both appraiser and apprasisee will be given access to the appraisee's web page before the appraisal. Here are some of the questions we would like you to address at the appraisal:

• Is this information accurate? Corrections should be sent to Jean Bunten. Missing research outputs should be submitted to the new Informatics@Edinburgh Publications Portal.
• Will the appraisee be able to submit 4 eligible research outputs to RAE 2008? If not, please discuss what steps might be take to create additional research outputs by the research output census date of 31.12.07.
• Are the appraisees proposed research outputs of the highest quality it is realistic to hope for? If not, please discuss what steps might be take to replace the existing nominated research outputs with others of higher quality by the census date of 31.12.07.
• Has the appraisee identified some esteem indicators? If not, please discuss what esteem indicators s/he might submit and send them to Jean Bunten.
• Are the appraisee's esteem indicators of the highest quality it is realistic to hope for? If not, what additional esteem indicators might be earned before the esteem indicator census date of 31.10.07.

Tips on Improving our RAE Case

Appraisees can improve the quality of their research outputs and esteem indicators by folowing the guidelines below. Incidently, following these tips will not only improve the School's RAE case, but will also improve appraisees' CVs and, hence, their chances of appointment and promotion.

• Always publish in the strongest outlet that is realistic, given the significance and quality of your work. Identify the outlets in your research area with the strongest reputation and aim for these. Publication lists that are padded with technical reports and papers in workshops and minor conferences look weak.
• If an early version of your work has been published in a conference, consider publishing a more mature or detailed version in a journal. Most journals and conferences are happy about this.
• Many esteem indicators can be sought, either by application or by networking. For instance, many learned society fellowships and research fellowships can be applied for, e.g. Fellow of British Computer Society. Others will often follow if you play an active role in your research community, e.g. attending conferences and interacting with the top researchers in your field. Without overloading yourself, you should accept invitations to be on programme committees, referee papers, externally examine PhDs, give seminars and invited talks, serve as an officer in a research society, etc. As you become more senior, you will aspire to the international indicators. You should then decline minor indicators, but recommend that they be given instead to your junior colleagues.