Book excerpt: It is not hard to be a research active academic, or to build a research group, or to create a research culture. Here are sensible strategies available to everyone, and that empower everyone in higher education. Seizing the opportunities, refusing to be a victim, and – most importantly – learning how the system works, are among the strategies available to anyone motivated to succeed. This book takes a radical, unstuffy look at higher education. It is of interest and relevance to anyone working in the higher education sector. Based on the authors’ research on research groups, and on their experience as Head of Department, Dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor, the book provides advice for younger academics making their way in the system, and for more senior people who need to mentor research staff, build research groups and shape research-led careers. The book provides practical advice on key aspects of research activity: getting research grants, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and writing books. The current climate of research activity is discussed in the context of Research Assessment, and the context of ‘glittering prizes’.