What is an Independent Researcher?

Free from the constraints of institutional barriers and inaccessibility, independent researchers are not tied to a research topic or a single source of funding. They conduct research outside of academia and are not affiliated with or funded by a university. They can trailblaze and drive their agenda, adapting flexibly to the needs of their professional practice. 

Opting for an independent route is compatible with the working lives of high-achieving professional practitioners, who thrive on developing their practice through research. 

How can Independent Researchers Engage with the Practitioner Research Centre?

The Voice Study Centre can support you on your journey through our VSC Independent Researcher scheme. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and active community of practitioner-researchers who drive innovation and impact in the field of voice. We offer an opportunity for dedicated individuals to join our Practitioner Research Centre as VSC Independent Researchers and gain public recognition for the work undertaken.

Who is eligible to join?

Research-Active Practitioners: Individuals with a demonstrated commitment to ongoing research, evidenced through current projects, publications, or active engagement in research communities. You must have a substantial link to the Voice Study Centre through working with one of our supervisors or gaining ethical clearance through our ethics committee. It is possible to be an Independent Researcher with the VSC and maintain connections with other organisations.

Practitioner Scholars: Practitioner scholars who continue to engage in research beyond the Master’s programme are eligible to become a VSC Independent Researcher.

What it means to be a VSC Independent Researcher:

• As a VSC Independent Researcher, you feature on our VSC Independent Researcher page and we will continue to showcase your achievements and amplify your reach.
• You will access expert research supervision through our network of experienced research supervisors, including academics with international reputations.
• You may access our research ethics committee by submitting a research proposal, application and relevant documentation for ethical review and approval through the VSC's dedicated ethics committee. We ensure the highest standards of research integrity for your projects.
• Potential opportunities for Co-authorship
• Access to our research methods workshops
• Deliver at our research symposiums, where we host a range of high calibre researchers and practitioners

Who are your current Independent Researchers?

We have recently begun to develop our VSC Independent Researcher scheme, which requires access to our ethics board and a team of willing supervisors. We are excited to showcase them here:

Who are your supervisors?

We are very proud to have leaders in the field. We have chosen supervisors who are leaders academically and/or in their field of practice. You may choose to work with an individual because they engage in a particular methodology or align with a paradigm that resonates with you. We anticipate that the cross-pollination will lead to ground-breaking practice innovation.

Our full list of current supervisors can be viewed here.

Do I have to co-author with my supervisor?

Co-authorship is appropriate when a supervisor gives active guidance and contributes to your research report. We provide support via our co-authorship policy, and we advocate that you negotiate this with your supervisor before embarking on the project. If you are aiming to gain a PhD by publication, you should remain lead author.

Do I have to mention Voice Study Centre on the paper when I submit for publication?

Yes, we expect all of our VSC Independent Researchers to acknowledge the Voice Study Centre in their publication. You will need to stipulate that you have accessed our independent research committee. We will provide you with an ethics approval number indicating a favourable review. 

Will Voice Study Centre own my work?

No – we will not have any intellectual property rights over your work. We will showcase your work and celebrate your success.

Do I need to permission from Voice Study Centre to publish?

No, you will make this decision when you are ready.

Do I need to notify Voice Study Centre when I have published?

Yes, please remember that we love to celebrate your success. Please inform us so that we can actively promote your profile in our marketing efforts. 

If I publish a sufficient number of outputs, can I submit to a PhD by publication?

Yes, there are several programmes of this nature in the UK. You need to have all your outputs ready before you apply. Please see our PhD by Publication page for the programmes currently available in the UK.

How much does it cost?

Our fee structure is shown below.

The cost depends on whether you will require an ethics review panel. It includes six hourly sessions of supervision with your chosen supervisor.

Our fee structure is shown below.

a) Academic Paper

A scholastic paper can cover anything from a literature review to a theoretical debate.

Process and Cost:

1. Book a consultation to discuss your requirements.
2. Submit a sample of your writing at M level (VSC students will not need to do this).
3. Await feedback on whether you are ready for this level of independence.
4. Find an appropriate supervisor.
5. Supervision begins.

b) Research Paper

1. Book a research consultation to discuss the proposal and your research interests. Some modifications may be needed.
2. Download the ghosted research proposal with guidance on structure and expectations.
3. Submit the research proposal.
4. Align with a supervisor.
5. Send the research proposal to your prospective supervisor.
6. Gain ethics approval with guidance on completing paperwork and creating a robust ethics form.
7. Await ethics approval.
8. Six supervision sessions begin.