Dr Nick Adams RSci, Research Fellow

Why did you decide to apply for Registered Scientist (RSci)?

I work within Psychology: predominantly within the combined academic research fields of men and masculinities, safety and risk-taking and mental health. My interdisciplinary work focuses on exploring understandings of gender – masculinities, examining how men’s understandings of their identities and the processes shaping these can influence actions and ideologies. My work concentrates on establishing pathways and process towards positive human growth.

Professional registration with the Science Council offers a pathway for the scientific psychological work I conduct to be assessed and recognised. Whether this be academic research investigations and outputs, policy recommendations or practical feedback to organisations following research regarding understandings of how the culture of an organisation can influence safety, risk-taking and decision-making.

How has Registered Scientist status made an impact on your work or career?

Absolutely. I feel professional registration has a significantly positive effect over my career, both as a researcher and when completing consultancy work. As an academic researcher concerned mostly with identity and behaviour, registration signifies longitudinal experience and expertise in designing and conducting scientific studies, methodological competence in analysing results and interpreting findings, as well as willingness and transparency to having my work reviewed and examined by a professional body.

When conducting industry-linked research, registration gives clients confidence in my abilities as a specialist, not only as a researcher but also as a practical scientist concerned with translating scientific findings into tangible solutions and recommendations. The Registered Scientist designation indicates individual commitment to upholding the Science Council values while fostering continued professional development; something which I feel is recognised by academic institutions and industry clients alike.

What did you learn through completing the application process?

The application process provides a framework for tracking back through academic achievements and professional memberships, allowing the value of these accolades to be highlighted, but also inclusions for practical work conducted and different ways to evidence this. The application process is thorough, and upon conclusion you will have a developed portfolio of evidence presenting a timeline of past work, completed projects and academic achievements – all linking together. This is incredibly useful for presentation for internal promotions, client work, and showcases skills and experience, as well as representing the body of evidence required for RSci status. The monthly evidence updates required for RSci status are also very useful (and in the case of the BPS – are managed through my membership portal), again, providing a log of all work completed which can be referred to as an ever-growing evidence-base to highlight professional development, skills and experience.

What do you value most from being a member of your professional body?

I feel that Registered Scientist status is extremely valuable for those working in academia, but also those crossing-over to consultancy engagements and projects. When conducting psychological research work, having the combination of accredited scientific education, British Psychological Society Chartered Membership and Registered Scientist status sets you apart from the crowd as an individual who takes pride in the scientific work they complete; willing to submit this work for regular review to achieve and maintain professional registration(s), demonstrating a commitment to the psychology discipline and scientific methods and rigour when engaging in research projects and disseminating findings and outputs.

What would you say to any other scientist like yourself who is thinking about becoming a Registered Scientist?

I would say that it’s absolutely worth doing and membership is a fantastic accolade. Regardless of which scientific discipline you belong to, the RSci pathway offers a great opportunity to have your hard work collated, recorded and recognised.

Become professionally registered

Have you been inspired by Nick Adams? Find out how to apply to become a Registered Scientist here.