As Prosper approaches the end of its current phase of UKRI funding, we would like to take this opportunity to update the Prosper community on our plans, as we transition into a new phase built on long-term sustainability and sector-wide partnership.
Although UKRI funding draws to a close at the end of September 2026, we are delighted to confirm that Prosper resources, including access to the Prosper Portal will remain free for all users. The University of Liverpool, as the institution leading Prosper’s development and roll-out, has committed to providing support for the continuation of the positive impact Prosper has made to career development for postdoctoral researchers and those who support them.
Prosper's impact
The positive impact of Prosper is evidenced most clearly in the way it has enhanced postdocs’ experience of career development, and how managers and researcher developers support and guide them through this journey. Beyond developing confidence and broadening career awareness, Prosper has contributed to more structured, reflective, and proactive career planning among postdocs where it has been embedded. A range of case studies can be found on Prosper’s Portal (Institutional case studies - Prosper and Prosper postdoc case studies - Prosper), with some highlights captured in the quotes below:
“I think one of the main benefits I got from Prosper is that it really spurred me to reflect on what drives me and realise that this is the sort of working style I needed. Prosper itself involved pushing me to think in a similar way about my own career – goal-orientated, taking a step back and really thinking about the big picture, that sort of thing.”
Postdoc, University of Liverpool
“Before the cohort I felt extremely stuck. Prosper has helped focus my mind on where I need to invest my time.”
Postdoc, University of Manchester
“If I could sum it up in three words they would be: supportive, interactive and practical.”
Postdoc, University of Southampton
“Prosper’s model is a great basis for giving research staff much needed structure and guidance when it comes to career development.”
Anne Marie Sowerbutts, Researcher developer, University of Manchester
"We know from experience that a great deal of learning happens through conversations with peers. By bringing together a diverse group of individuals from across the region, we’re exposing our postdocs to a wide range of perspectives. This not only helps them understand what’s unique about their own institution, but also highlights the common threads that run across the sector."
Karen Hinxman, Head of White Rose University Consortium
Looking to the future
The Prosper team at the University of Liverpool will continue to focus on the delivery of Prosper activity for postdoctoral researchers at the University of Liverpool, while also overseeing the Prosper Exchange, the framework developed to ensure Prosper’s impact is sustained through shared practice. The Prosper Exchange enables researcher developers to access enhanced support from the Prosper team, such as engagement activities or advice on delivering Prosper sessions, in return for in-kind contributions. These contributions will be shared via the Prosper Portal for the benefit of the wider community.
Through the Prosper Exchange (The Prosper Exchange - Prosper), we aim to continue generating relevant and high-quality career development resources for postdocs, alongside Prosper Portal Made Easy sessions, PI Network sessions for managers of researchers, and ongoing opportunities to share effective practice across the sector. In this way, Prosper continues to champion the importance of career development for postdoctoral researchers and to facilitate an active and engaged community of practice.
As we draw closer to the end of the funded period, we are planning an in-person event in September to celebrate the achievements of Prosper and look ahead to a future powered by community. More details to follow soon.
Save the date: 15 September — Liverpool (in person).
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