Our mission, vision, values and promise to you!
Mission
“Building Research Capacity for the Future”
Our mission is to empower doctoral candidates and early career academics to become leaders in research. We equip emerging scholars with the essential competencies and confidence needed to conduct impactful research and advance their academic careers. We create an environment that nurtures advanced research skills and fosters academic innovation, contributing to the broader academic community. We are committed to enriching the global knowledge base through the development of rigorous research competencies and a supportive academic network.
Vision
“Empowering Post Graduate Research(ers)”
To empower future generations of scholars by providing a comprehensive support system offering unparalleled resources for developing research competencies, fostering an environment that ensures that every doctoral candidate and early career academic can achieve their highest potential through impactful research and their contribution to the global body of knowledge.
Commitment and Promise to Our Clients
Ethically-Centred Advisory
First and foremost we are driven by solid ethical practices in researcher development. We are not, and never will be, a writing mill or short-cut for researchers to ‘get ahead’ in their journey. We advocate strong ethical practice in what we do and in how we empower others to be.
Exceptional Value
Our clients say that we add value to their research journey by bringing our experience from both academia and industry to the fore; helping each of them to strengthen their grasp of methodology and communication in research. Our clients are the subject matter experts; we support their development through sharing an in-depth awareness of the application and transferability of diverse research methodologies and the communication of research
Real Life Settings
As researchers and educators with deep content knowledge and diversity of understanding, we also have the gift for applying and communicating research into real-life settings and understand the way that technology, business, and marketing work, and how that can add value to your research outputs and career development.
Diverse Roles
You and/or your organisation can engage with us as consultants, advisors, Devil’s advocates, speakers, or professional mentors, or in any other capacity that assists your growth and development.
Values
Ethical | Ethical research practices and best-practice guidance by skilled academics with integrity, keeping your priorities at the forefront.
Credible | Realistic, contemporary actionable advice and skills to strengthen your research competency.
Impact | Creating lasting, positive impacts on society.
Needs-Based | Advice and services you need, when you need them. Relevant and tailored.
Real Life Settings | Applying and communicating research into real-life settings and understand the way that technology, business, and marketing work, and how that can add value to your research outputs and career development.
Collaboration | Leveraging partnerships and collective effort for impactful research.
Adaptive | Able to “go-with-the-flow” to help you reach full potential.
Exceptional Value | We support client development through sharing an in-depth awareness of the application and transferability of diverse research methodologies and the communication of research
Innovation | Embracing cutting-edge approaches to transform education and communication.
Sustainability | Aligning our initiatives with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Respect | For all within and beyond The Third Degree.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
At The Third Degree, we stand unwavering in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We believe that academic excellence, research innovation, and meaningful educational impact are only possible when a diverse range of voices, identities, and lived experiences are not only included — but actively uplifted.
In a global climate where DEI is increasingly under threat, we choose to double down on our values. We reject efforts to marginalise, minimise, or politicise diversity in education. We believe that creating inclusive academic environments is not a trend or a political position — it is a responsibility.
Our work with postgraduate research students, doctoral candidates, early-career academics, faculty members, and universities across the world centres on ensuring that everyone — regardless of race, gender identity, disability, nationality, age, socioeconomic background, or belief system — has equitable access to research opportunities, mentorship, and academic progression.
We are committed to:
- Amplifying underrepresented voices in research and higher education.
- Championing Indigenous and non-Western methodologies, recognising diverse ways of knowing and being.
- Embedding accessibility in everything we do, from digital delivery to programme design.
- Fostering respectful dialogue across disciplinary, cultural, and political divides.
The Third Degree is more than an educational platform — it is a space for transformation, collaboration, and social responsibility. DEI is not a checkbox; it is the lens through which we approach our teaching, our research, and our community engagement.
We move forward with hope, resolve, and solidarity — because a truly inclusive research world is not only possible, but essential!
Partnership Policy
At The Third Degree, we believe that meaningful collaboration is built on trust, integrity, shared values, and a mutual commitment to positive impact. Our partnerships are guided by a strong ethical foundation and a vision for socially responsible education, training, and research.
We seek to collaborate with organisations, institutions, and individuals who share our values of academic integrity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every partnership must reflect our mission to elevate research practice, support doctoral and early-career academics, and contribute to real-world change.
Our Partnership Principles
Ethical Alignment | We only enter partnerships that uphold the highest ethical standards in research, education, and professional conduct. Partners must demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical practices, including transparency, consent, and accountability.
Accreditation & Credibility | We work exclusively with accredited institutions, recognised organisations, and verified experts. We prioritise partnerships that contribute to the credibility and legitimacy of all parties involved.
Mutual Benefit & Respect | We believe in reciprocal value. All collaborations should offer clear benefits to both parties and be grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and open communication.
Inclusivity & Equity | All partnerships must reflect our DEI commitments. We seek out diverse voices, support cross-cultural exchange, and actively work to avoid reinforcing inequities or excluding marginalised groups.
Impact-Oriented Practice | We prioritise partnerships that lead to real-world impact — whether in advancing research, supporting communities, influencing policy, or transforming education. We are interested in outcomes, not just optics.
Transparent Communication | We value clarity and transparency in all aspects of collaboration — from roles and responsibilities to resource sharing and public messaging. Misrepresentation or lack of communication undermines trust and impact.
Free from Politicisation | We maintain a clear boundary between our work and political affiliations or agendas. We will only enter partnerships that respect our independence and remain free from politicisation. Our focus is on inclusive, ethical, and academically sound practice — never on partisan influence.
Partnering with The Third Degree
We welcome expressions of interest from universities, research centres, non-profits, and socially engaged organisations worldwide. If you are aligned with our vision and values, we’d love to explore how we can work together to advance ethical, inclusive, and impactful research.
Ethical Practice | Statement of Commitment
The Third Degree recognises that it has an obligation to observe and maintain the highest ethical standards and that these are fundamental to its reputation for integrity. Ethical standards and considerations apply to every activity in The Third Degree and its engagement with the external community. Ethical judgements are contextual but are informed by the organisations values and the policies which underpin its operations, by its commitment to the Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life and by the relevant professional standards applicable to specific academic disciplines. This ethical statement sets out the organisations commitment at the highest level to ethical values and behaviours.
Nolan Seven Principles of Public Life (as adopted by the The Third Degree)
Selflessness | Affiliates should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.
Integrity | Affiliates should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.
Objectivity | In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, Affiliates should make choices on merit.
Accountability | Affiliates are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.
Openness | Affiliates should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.
Honesty | Affiliates have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.
Leadership | Affiliates should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
Research Ethics Policy
At The Third Degree, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical research. Our work — whether undertaken independently or in collaboration with early-career or established academics — must respect the rights, dignity, and welfare of all participants and stakeholders. We believe that ethical research is foundational to academic credibility, societal trust, and meaningful impact.
While we will adhere to the research ethics protocols of our partner institutions, The Third Degree maintains its own guiding principles to ensure consistency, accountability, and integrity across all our projects.
Core Principles of Ethical Research
Respect for Persons | We recognise the autonomy, dignity, and rights of all research participants. Informed consent is essential, and participation must always be voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any stage without consequence.
Integrity & Honesty | We commit to transparency in our methods, accuracy in our reporting, and honesty in our intentions. Fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of data is never acceptable.
Justice & Equity | We strive for fairness in participant selection, benefit sharing, and recognition. Research should not exploit vulnerable populations or reinforce existing inequalities.
Confidentiality & Data Protection | Participant privacy must be respected at all times. Data will be collected, stored, and used in accordance with relevant privacy legislation and best practices for secure handling.
Beneficence & Non-Maleficence | Our research must aim to benefit individuals or communities and avoid causing harm. Potential risks should be minimised, clearly communicated, and ethically justified.
Independent Review Where Appropriate | For studies not covered by an external institution’s ethics approval process, we will ensure internal peer review and independent oversight prior to data collection or engagement.
Cultural & Contextual Sensitivity | Particularly in international or cross-cultural contexts, we prioritize ethical practices that are responsive to local values, traditions, and power dynamics. We advocate for decolonized, inclusive approaches to research design and implementation.
Open Access & Responsible Dissemination | We support the responsible communication of findings, ensuring accessibility, clarity, and the accurate representation of data. We also encourage co-authorship with collaborators and participants where appropriate.
Accountability | All researchers working under The Third Degree banner, including external collaborators, are expected to adhere to this policy and to seek guidance when ethical uncertainty arises.
Research Ethics in Practice
Where possible, projects conducted in partnership with academic institutions will also adhere to the ethics frameworks of those institutions. However, this internal policy serves as our minimum standard and applies to all work conducted under the The Third Degree name.
Breaches of this policy may result in the termination of a project or collaboration and will be addressed through a transparent and fair process.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) | Statement of Commitment
The Third Degree is committed to embracing new and emerging technologies in an ethical way that puts learning and the development of knowledge at the forefront of the research candidate experience. We recognise the profound impact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have on the research and writing landscape.
We are dedicated to upholding ethical principles, respecting intellectual property rights, and safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data. Our research and writing processes prioritise fairness, objectivity, and inclusivity, striving to avoid perpetuating discrimination, misinformation, or harm.
Through a steadfast commitment to integrity, we aim to harness the potential of AI responsibly and ethically, contributing positively to the advancement of knowledge and scholarship. Our statement of expected conduct emphasizes transparency, accountability, and integrity in all AI-powered research and writing processes.
Climate Change | Statement of Commitment
The Third Degree acknowledges the scientific consensus regarding the existence of climate change and the substantial contribution the human population is now making to this. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to current and future generations to shift the outcomes in respect of the environment. We are deeply committed to fostering a sustainable future through education, advocacy, and action. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to address the climate crisis effectively and to inspire innovative solutions that drive meaningful change. We pledge to:
Promote Awareness | Integrate climate change education across our resources, ensuring that stakeholders have access to the science, its impacts, and the available solutions related to climate change.
Encourage Action | Support and facilitate initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices within our organization and community.
Lead by Example | Implement eco-friendly policies and practices in our operations, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable resource management.
Foster Collaboration | Partner with organizations, communities, and governments to advance climate action and share knowledge that accelerates progress towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Commit to Continuous Improvement | Regularly review and enhance our strategies and practices to align with the latest climate science and sustainability standards.
By fulfilling this commitment, we aim to not only educate but also inspire our stakeholders to contribute to the global effort to combat climate change and build a more sustainable world for future generations.