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Tools, data, and guides for the research community
Browse our collection of resources designed to support academics, librarians, and students in understanding and improving the research environment across Canada and beyond.
Our resource library brings together survey data, practical guides, and analytical tools that help researchers and institutions navigate the shifting landscape of academic life. Whether you are looking for raw data to fuel your own analysis or practical frameworks for improving departmental culture, this page serves as your starting point.
All materials are freely available and regularly updated to reflect the latest findings from our annual Time for Change survey program. We encourage you to share these resources widely within your networks and institutions.
All Time for Change survey datasets are released openly so that researchers, policymakers, and institutions can perform their own analysis. Data files are anonymized and available in common formats. Each download includes a methodology note and a data dictionary explaining every variable.
Complete anonymized responses from 1,847 participants across 42 countries, including regional breakdowns for Canadian provinces.
View reportResponses from 1,632 academics and librarians covering research evaluation, open access attitudes, and publisher engagement.
View reportThe third edition of our survey, with detailed analysis of academic culture pressures and career progression across disciplines.
View reportSurvey responses focused on post-pandemic shifts in academic work, remote research collaboration, and funding challenges.
View reportOur second survey edition, capturing early responses to shifting norms in research publishing and the push for open science principles.
View reportThe original Time for Change survey, establishing baseline measurements across all four research areas that continue to define the program.
View reportThese guides distill our survey findings into actionable recommendations. They are designed for department heads, research administrators, librarians, and individual academics who want to make evidence-based improvements to their working environments.
A step-by-step resource for academics considering a move toward open access publishing, preprint sharing, and open data repositories. This guide covers practical considerations such as selecting the right repository, understanding licensing frameworks, meeting funder requirements, and navigating institutional policies. It draws on responses from over 4,500 survey participants who have shared their experiences with open research across six editions of our program. Canadian-specific sections address tri-agency open access policies and provincial library consortia arrangements.
Read the full guideThis guide examines alternative approaches to assessing research quality beyond traditional citation metrics and journal impact factors. Based on survey data showing that 66% of academics feel current evaluation methods are inadequate, the guide presents case studies of institutions that have successfully broadened their assessment frameworks. Topics include narrative-based CVs, responsible metrics principles, societal impact measurement, and how to advocate for evaluation reform within your department or faculty.
Read the full guideWith more than a third of survey respondents reporting long-term stress and nearly 20% experiencing physical health issues linked to workload, this guide offers practical frameworks for improving well-being in academic settings. It covers workload auditing, peer support models, boundary setting for early-career researchers, and institutional responsibility. The Canadian section includes references to available mental health resources at major research universities and federal workplace standards.
Read the full guideThese toolkits are designed for universities, research councils, and library systems that want to use Time for Change data to inform strategy and policy decisions. Each toolkit includes templates, discussion frameworks, and presentation materials.
A facilitation package for running structured conversations about academic culture within departments. Includes slide decks, facilitator notes, and anonymous feedback templates based on our survey methodology.
For: Department Heads, Faculty DeansMaterials for academic librarians to use survey data when advocating for equitable open access agreements, repository improvements, and expanded support for researchers navigating open science requirements.
For: Academic Librarians, Library DirectorsPre-formatted policy brief templates that allow institutions and advocacy groups to incorporate Time for Change data into submissions to research councils, government consultations, and funding bodies.
For: Policy Analysts, Research AdministratorsThe academic reform landscape extends well beyond our own survey. Below are key areas of scholarship and policy work that align with the themes explored in our Time for Change program. We encourage researchers to explore these topics in depth.
The global movement toward responsible research assessment continues to gain traction. Principles established by international declarations call for reduced reliance on journal-based metrics and a broader view of research contributions. Many Canadian institutions have begun adopting narrative-based assessment frameworks, and several provinces are piloting alternative approaches to tenure evaluation. Our survey data tracks these shifts year over year.
The tri-agency open access policy requires that peer-reviewed journal publications arising from publicly funded research be made freely accessible within 12 months. Our survey data reveals that while compliance is increasing, many researchers still face confusion around requirements and available options. Resources from the Canadian research community provide detailed guidance on meeting these obligations effectively.
A growing body of research examines the psychological pressures facing academics at every career stage. Studies from Canadian universities show that precarious employment, heavy teaching loads, and publish-or-perish culture contribute to elevated rates of burnout. Our Time for Change data complements this research by providing annual snapshots of how these pressures are experienced across different disciplines and regions.
Canadian research councils have placed increasing emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion within research programs. Our survey includes questions about experiences of bias, access to opportunities, and perceptions of fairness in hiring and promotion. These data points contribute to a broader understanding of where systemic barriers persist and where progress is being made across disciplines.
See how academic attitudes are shifting across Canada and internationally with our most recent survey findings.
The information and resources on this website are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute professional, financial, legal, or academic advice. Survey results represent the opinions of respondents at the time of data collection and should not be interpreted as definitive assessments of any institution, publisher, or funding body. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or current. Users should exercise their own judgment when interpreting survey data and consult relevant professionals for specific guidance.