Research work as an indispensable professional activity of academic staff at a modern university

Research work of academic staff has become obligatory for several reasons: science index plays a key role when evaluating university activity, academic staff has to supervise students’ research activities, and “research work” has become the main part in a faculty’s individual plan. As research work has become a necessity it requires special knowledge and skills that can be acquired through the system of further education. The article provides (a) the legal basis confirming the legitimacy of university requirements concerning research work in academic staff professional activities, (b) issues raised by academic staff in an empirical study, (с) justification of the need for continuing professional development for academic staff at tertiary education. The author reveals the factors that cause academic staff’ resistance to higher education modernization: teachers’ age, the desire to preserve the traditions of Russian universities, the rapid change from Federal State Educational Standard (FSES) 3 to FSES 3 ++ that results in difficulties in updating programs, the emergence of obligatory research work as a part of professional activities. Based on the questionnaire, the needs of teachers are identified. The author suggests educational modules to provide support to the development of faculty research work.