Research Culture Uncovered

The #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast team is excited to share our latest episode featuring a fascinating conversation with Professor Adel Ahmed. Adel worked in the UK higher education for over 20 years before moving to the United Arab Emirates in 2015.Join host, Ged Hall, as he reconnects with his former colleague to explore research culture in the UAE and the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.🔹 Discover how higher education in the UAE is strategically designed rather than historically inherited — built around national development priorities, societal impact, and economic diversification, not just rankings and publications.🔹 Learn about the UAE's ecosystem of federal, semi-government, private, and international branch campus universities, and how this model is spreading across the MENA region.🔹 Hear how outcome-based evaluation frameworks are reshaping what research success looks like — moving beyond citation counts to measure real-world impact, industry collaboration, and student participation in research.🔹 Explore what it's really like to move from the UK to the UAE as an academic, and why breaking down silos, embracing interdisciplinary working, and thinking globally while acting locally are at the heart of research culture in the region.Listeners can connect with Adel on LinkedInItems mentioned in the episode:Overview of the UAE Higher Education Sector: Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) https://www.mohesr.gov.ae/En/pages/home.aspxUAE’s quality assurance agency: Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) https://www.caa.aeInformation Related to the Outcome-Based Evaluation Framework (OBEF) –https://www.caa.ae/Pages/Guidelines/Outcomes-based-Evaluation-framework-University-Guide.aspxOBEF University Guide (PDF) full details <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.caa.ae%2FPORTALGUIDELINES%2FOBEF%2520University%2520Guide%2520(Version%252011.5)%2520(English).pdf&data=05%7C02%7CG.Hall%40adm.leeds.ac.uk%7C79d312fac45841e2bdd708debc25459f%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863

What does it mean to do research on research — and what role do professional staff play in it?In this episode, Alix Brodie-Wray is joined by Dr. Chris Daley (LSE) and Dr. Amy Milligan (Saïd Business School, University of Oxford) to explore the world of meta-research and why research managers, administrators, and enablers have a vital part to play.We cover: 🔬 What meta-research actually is (and why it matters)💡 How professional staff bring unique, ground-level expertise to the field📊 The growing investment in meta-science — including the UK Meta-Science Unit's funding tripling to £49 million🎓 Whether you need a PhD to get involved (spoiler: you don't)⚖️ The very real time pressures and how to navigate them🌍 What the future holds for research enablers in this spaceIf you work in research support, management, or administration and have ever wondered whether your skills could contribute to something bigger — this one's for you.🎧 Listen now: [link]ContributorsAlix Brodie-Wray (follow on LinkedIn)Dr Amy Milligan (follow on LinkedIn)Dr Chris Daley (follow on LinkedIn)Links and Resources:Research on Research Institute video on ‘what is metascience?’Past, Present and Future of UK Metascience. Short history of metascience in the UK contextAssociation of Research Managers and Administrators: Meta-Research Special Interest Group: Meta Research – ARMAFollow us on Bluesky:@researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here)@[email protected] on LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.li

In this episode Nick talks to Dr Louise Saul, Network+ coordinator for CaSDaR (Careers and Skills for Data Driven Research), a UKRI-funded initiative aiming to professionalise and build community around data stewardship in the UK.They discuss shared work through the Open Research Competencies Coalition (ORCC) and Louise’s previous UKRN role as an ORCA (Open Research Coordinator and Administrator) at the University of Southampton, supporting open research training and implementation.Louise discusses using stand-up comedy to communicate research and open research ideas, and outlines her career path from biotechnology and a PhD in protein crystallography through multiple postdocs, teaching, and into open research and data.She explains meta-research as “research on research,” including a study on what authors include in methods sections and implications for reproducibility.Louise shares some of her data-management "horror stories," and highlights sector-wide challenges: unclear career pathways and progression for research-enabling roles, which CaSDaR addresses via funding, events, and resources.Links:CaSDaR (Careers and Skills for Data Driven Research)Ruby Carr ComedyUK Reproducibility Network(Episode 129) UKRN Train the Trainer: accelerating the uptake of open research practices across academic disciplines(Episode 123) Valuing Diverse Research Outputs: The Hidden REF and the 5% Manifesto with Simon HettrickSonrai - Irish Data Stewardship NetworkIf you have enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast app, via Podchaser, or by submitting an online review form.✍ Podchaser✍ Online Review FormAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:<a href="https://player.cap

Episode title: How to Turn Your PhD Into a BookPodcast: Research Culture UncoveredHost: Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths (Researcher Development Advisor, University of Leeds)Episode overviewTurning a PhD into a book is rarely a straightforward process. It’s not simply about rewriting or revising a thesis — it involves rethinking purpose, audience, and identity as a researcher.In this episode, Heledd speaks with Dr Hilary Potter about the challenges and opportunities involved in transforming doctoral research into a book. From the emotional weight of returning to high-stakes work, to developing confidence and recognising your own expertise, the conversation explores what it really means to “turn” a PhD into something new.Hilary also shares insights into her activity-based approach, the role of creativity and writing by hand, and how her portfolio career — including teaching, translation, and periods of precarity — has shaped both her thinking and her book.Together, this episode highlights how developing authorial agency can shift not only how researchers write, but how they see themselves and their place within (and beyond) academia.Featured contributorDr Hilary Potter — Project Officer, CERIC (Centre for Employment Relations, Innovation and Change) University of Leeds. Academic background in German Studies, with experience across teaching, research, and roles inside and outside higher education. Author of How to Turn Your PhD into a Book: A Pocket Guide (Peter Lang, 2024).🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-hilary-potter-1495262b🦋 Bluesky: @hilarypotterphd.bsky.socialKey themes explored• The challenge of reconceptualising a PhD beyond its original purpose• Why turning a PhD into a book is not simply rewriting or revising• The shift from being supervised to working independently• Developing authorial agency and recognising expertise• Creative and tactile approaches to writing (including writing by hand)• The influence of portfolio careers, teaching, and precarity on academic work• Writing for different audiences and purposesMemorable ideas• A PhD is written to be examined — a book is written to be read• Distance from your thesis can be essential before returning to it• Creativity and physical engagement (writing, drawing, mapping ideas) can unlock thinking• You don’t need permission to be the expert in your own work• Research careers are rarely linear — and that can be a strengthRelated episodeThe Art of Saying No: Power, Permission, and Research CultureThis earlier episode explores how agency, confidence, and decision-making are shaped by power, culture, and career stage in rese

If you asked an academic to describe the culture in which they work, 'gentle' is not a word that most would use. But what if academia could be gentler? What would this look like, and how can we get there?In today's episode, host Taryn Bell is joined by Christine Grove, co-editor of the recent volume 'The Gentle Academic'. They discuss what gentle academia is, what it's not, and how both individuals and academics can become 'gentler' in their ways of working. Far from offering 'lip service' to the idea of culture change, The Gentle Academic offers actionable insights for both individuals and the institutions they work within.Want to learn more?Read The Gentle Academic: Reimagining the Contemporary University Culture with Principles of Community, Leadership, and CareGet in touch with Christine via LinkedIn or her RMIT and Monash webpages, or with her co-editor, Kelly-Ann AllenIf you have enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast app, via Podchaser, or by submitting an online review form.✍ Podchaser✍ Online Review FormAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksheppard/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_

In this week’s episode, host Emily Goodall speaks with Karen Glerum‑Brooks and Lucy Cheseldine about the Valuing Voices project — a Wellcome-funded initiative co‑created by the University of York and Mahidol University in Thailand that’s helping researchers rethink what equitable, collaborative and responsible research can look like in practice.Episode highlights:A practical toolkit for culture change: How the Valuing Voices online tool supports researchers worldwide to design and deliver equitable and responsible research — grounded in the principles of Engagement and impact, Equity and diversity in teams, Strategic risk mapping, Environmental sustainability, Reflection and learning. Equity, diversity & working together: Why diverse teams and inclusive practices matter, and how simple approaches such as fair attribution and inclusive meetings help dismantle hierarchies and strengthen collaboration in research environments.The Living Lab in action: Karen and Lucy share how experimenting within their own team — from distributed leadership to sustainable conference materials — led to creative, people‑centred ways of modelling equitable research culture.Empowering researchers at every career stage: From early‑career researchers in Uganda to new PIs in the UK, hear how the Valuing Voices principles empower people to plan, collaborate and deliver meaningful, impactful research everywhere they work.You can explore and use the Valuing Voices Tool for free, wherever you are in your research journey.Join the movement and follow the Valuing Voices project on LinkedIn.Follow us on Bluesky:@researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here)<a href

🎙️ In our latest episode of Research Culture Uncovered, host Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths explores a deceptively simple question: what actually shapes a researcher?Drawing on reflections from a Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) series, this episode brings together voices from across global research development sessions — exploring research vision, impact, careers, culture, and identity.🔹 Why research vision matters — and why it’s so hard to articulateHear insights from Dr Jim Baxter on developing long-term direction, and why the pressures of funding, publishing, and short-term goals can pull researchers away from the bigger picture.🔹 What counts as “impact” — and who decidesExplore reflections from Ged Hall on how impact is shaped by discipline, national context, and institutional priorities — and whether researchers follow or challenge those systems.🔹 Research culture beyond the buzzwordsDr Marjorie Boissinot unpacks the complexity of research culture across global contexts, and why much of what shapes culture isn’t always labelled as such.🔹 Creating space to think — even in busy, online environmentsFrom Taryn Bell’s session, discover how meaningful reflection can happen even in large-scale virtual settings — and why researchers are more ready for these conversations than we might assume.🔹 Visibility, identity, and showing up as a researcherThrough Ruth Winden’s work, explore how researchers navigate professional identity — balancing authenticity, visibility, and the expectations of academic and non-academic audiences.🔹 The emotional side of research we don’t always talk aboutFrom Heledd’s own session on rejection, this episode reflects on the shared emotional realities of research — and how creating space to acknowledge them can shift how we move forward.💡 If you’re thinking about your own direction, identity, or place within research — this episode offers space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters.Links and resources🔗 Worldwide Universities Network (WUN)https://www.wun.ac.uk/🔗 LinkedIn (contributors)Jim Baxter – (follow Jim on LinkedIn)Ged Hall – (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Marjorie Boissinot – (follow Marjorie on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjorieboissinot/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BVnucse%2

“What if all we have is the now? […] the now is generative and worthwhile.” — Dr Élaina Gauthier‑MamarilHost Dr Emily Ennis sits down with Dr Élaina Gauthier‑Mamaril – a disabled philosopher of disability and Research Associate on the Wellcome‑funded Anti‑Ableist Research Culture project at the University of Sheffield – to explore podcasting as method, community, and counter‑archive.In this conversation:Podcasting as a research method. From Massively Disabled to Cripping Research Culture, Élaina experiments with sound, affect, and “epistemic brokering” to amplify disabled knowledges and blur the subject/object divide, especially around COVID and long COVID.Rigour with care. Podcasting isn’t “less scholarly”, it’s differently-rigorous. Élaina talks positionality, disclosure, and even choosing to leave audible pain in‑track to honour labour and embodiment, while pushing for broader vocal inclusion (accents, speech impairments) in HE audio.Access by design. Why transcripts are non‑negotiable, when BSL interpreting is added, and how audio meets listeners in bed, on tough clinic days, or when isolation bites, turning parasocial connection into real community.Beyond “academics only”. Inside the Sheffield project’s “third spaces,” including a sector survey with NADSN and webinars (curated with Quiplash CIC) for disabled professional services staff, because research culture is everybody’s work.Recognition matters. Podcasting is work, not a weekend hobby: it deserves to be planned, supported, and credited like any other research/engagement output.What’s next. A protocol for collaborative podcasting (data, consent, copyright, co‑editing), research on disability doulas and long COVID, and a creative project with Khairani Barokka adapting Annah, Infinite with Indonesian/Javanese voices and community co‑creation.🎙️ Referenced PodcastsCripping Research Culture podcastMassively Disabled podcast<a href="https://www.ac

In today's final episode of Research Culture Uncovered, hosts Taryn Bell and Emily Ennis discuss how they solved research culture. With no more issues left to fix, and everything running smoothly, they take one last opportunity to sit back, rest, and reflect on how everything went so right...Just kidding. Happy April Fools!In this episode, Taryn and Emily look back at what’s been achieved over the last 12 months, discuss some of the ‘classic’ research culture challenges facing higher education, and confront the notion that research culture is a problem that can be solved for good.Key takeaways:Research culture isn't something that can ever be solved - it's an ongoing, evolving processReal, genuine change can't come from research culture teams alone - meaningful change requires widespread involvement and collective responsibilityMore than ever, research culture needs to become a matter of 'business as usual', rather than an added extraIn case you'd like to know more...Learn more about Research Culture at LeedsNever heard of the REF? Read more about the Research Excellence FrameworkAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicksheppard/" rel="noopener norefer

In this episode of #ResearchCultureUncovered, host Dr Emily Ennis talks with Dr Amy Mayfield (Lancaster University) and Dr Nicola Simcock (Newcastle University) about how maturity frameworks are helping departments move from good intentions to practical change.What you’ll hear:Why a “maturity framework” (name still up for debate!) helps complex organisations reflect honestly on where they are now and where they want to get to, without turning evaluation into yet another top‑down exercise.Local first, institution-wide impact. Newcastle’s pilot runs the tool with units of different sizes to surface priorities, share what already works, and target support.Different disciplines, different ways of engaging. Some users preferred quantitative responses, others qualitative – and yes, a stereotypical disciplinary split has happened! – but both routes generated useful, actionable insight.Lancaster’s MERCI project (Maturity and Evaluation of Research Culture Initiatives) uses away day workshops and a simple “Why?” prompt to collect the richest qualitative feedback and to recognise distance travelled.Alignment without overload. Both teams map areas to action plans and sector drivers (e.g., SPRE/PCE) so one exercise can inform unit‑level work, institutional narratives, and wider evaluation needs: saving time while building buy‑in.Please note: we have had to edit much laughter out of this podcast, but felt adding in a laugh track might make things feel a bit too 90s sitcom. But please, laugh along with us!🔗 Initiatives and outputs referenced in this episodeThese are the items that will need links in your published show notes:UKRN Recognising and rewarding open research toolkit<a href="h

🎙️ The #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast team is excited to share our latest episode featuring reflections from the groundbreaking Impact Ignite Conference! Join host Ged Hall, discuss the conference with fellow University of Leeds #impactprofessionals Andy Cameron, Anu Ekanayake, Ali Quaile, Alexa Ruppertsberg, and Ruth Lawford-Rolfe as they discuss their experiences from this first-of-its-kind global gathering of research impact professionals.🔹 Discover how Impact Ignite brought together impact professionals from the UK, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and Australia—creating a true sense of community and solidarity for those working to bridge research and real-world change.🔹 Learn about practical tools and strategies shared at the conference, including collaborative mapping techniques, impact strategy toolkits, and innovative coaching approaches that can transform how we work with researchers.🔹 Hear reflections on the unique skillset impact professionals bring—from partnership development and storytelling to navigating institutional change and emerging technologies like AI in research impact practice.🔹 Explore the challenges facing higher education and the critical advocacy role impact professionals play in ensuring universities remain relevant, collaborative, and focused on meaningful societal benefit.To connect with the guests on LinkedIn:Alexa Ruppertsberg (Head of Public Engagement)Alistair Quaile ( Faculty Research Impact Manager in the Business School)Andy Cameron ( Faculty Impact Manager in Medicine Health)Anu Ekanayake ( Research Impact Innovation and Engagement Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences)Ruth Lawford-Rolfe ( Research Impact Manager in the School of Earth and Environment and Sustainability)All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Researc

🎙️In our latest episode, host Dr Ged Hall interviewed another of his #ResearchImpactHeroes Dr Tamika Heiden, founder of the Research Impact Academy and creator of the Research Impact Summit! Discover how one person's passion is beginning the process of creating a global community for research impact.🔹 Hear Tamika's inspiring journey from PhD student to research impact entrepreneur, driven by a simple question: "Who makes sure my work gets to where it's needed?"🔹 Learn the origin story of the Research Impact Summit - born from a sunny Melbourne day, a coffee in hand, and a borrowed idea that became a decade-long global initiative.🔹 Explore the evolution of knowledge translation in Canada and how it shaped modern research impact practice worldwide.🔹 Discover insights from the first Research Impact Ignite conference in Southampton and what it takes to build a thriving professional community.🔹 Understand the challenges and opportunities for research impact culture in Australia and beyond.If you're passionate about making research matter, building professional communities, and creating real-world change, this episode is for you!Tamika shares her impact heroes too - a touching tribute to her team members Cathie Withyman and Kate Shook, who exemplify the dedication and passion that drives the impact community forward.💡Find out more about the Research Impact Academy and the Summit or follow them on their social channelsRIA LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-impact-academy/RIA YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@researchimpactacademyRIA on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/researchimpactacademy.comPodcast episodes mentioned in the interview:Why impact matters more than labels with Tamika Heiden (Research Adjacents podcast Episode 75)(Research Culture Uncovered S5E8) The Future of Research Impact CultureLinks to resources mentioned in the episode:<span class="ql-ui" content

🎧The latest new episode of the #ResearchCultureUncovered podcast Ged Hall introduces our New Host, Alix Brodie-Wray. Alix is Faculty Impact Development Manager for the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures at the University of Leeds.Alix discusses her role, which includes supporting impact case study development and working on impact literacy across nine schools. Find out more about Alix and what she will be bringing in her episodes.Topics include:🔸 Alix's background, including her journey from the University of Brighton through various research support roles to her current position at Leeds. 🔸 Her role and responsibilities supporting arts and humanities impact. 🔸 Alix’s and Ged’s shared passion outside of work, Mod culture and soul music. 🔸 The biggest challenges facing researchers today, including disciplinary silos and public perception of higher education. 🔸 Her work on impact strategy, ethical approaches to impact, and making research more visible.❓ What will Alix be covering in her upcoming episodes?💡 Thought-provoking conversations on arts and humanities impact and the role of professional services in research. 📊 Meta-research and the participation of research administrators in shaping research culture. 🤝 Co-production, ethics, and practical approaches to impact case study development.Listeners can connect with Alix on LinkedInItems mentioned in the episode:‘Clean Living Under Difficult Circumstances: A Life In Mod – From the Revival to Acid Jazz’ by Eddie PillerLinkedIn post about the results of the 2025 Australian University Census.Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) Meta Research Special Interest GroupInternational Medieval Congress 2025 – Medieval Studies in ActionAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:<a href="https://player.captivate.fm/collection/60d10ee0-197a-4648-a3ea-55458f799776" rel="n

In this episode, our host Emily Goodall speaks with James Parry, an independent consultant specialising in research integrity and research culture, and former Chief Executive of the UK Research Integrity Office. With years of experience supporting organisations and the research community, James shares insights on how research misconduct extends far beyond instances of fabrication or plagiarism — and how everyday pressures, small compromises, and unchallenged bad behaviour can erode trust, wellbeing, and research quality.Integrity in research isn’t just about following rules — it’s about building a culture where doing the right thing is supported, encouraged, and possible.Episode highlights include: 1️⃣ How systemic pressures like publish-or-perish cultures, job precarity, and time strain make good practice harder to maintain.2️⃣ Why seeking advice and support early is essential: “You don't have to go full Scooby-Doo!” It’s not your job to investigate or challenge poor practice on your own.3️⃣ The importance of a “setbacks, not failures” mindset to reduce pressure, discourage corner-cutting, and support wellbeing.4️⃣ Creating environments where people feel safe to raise concerns and leaders role in supporting good practice.5️⃣ How unchallenged misconduct and poor culture can damage relationships, trust, and collaboration.Links and resources from this episode:How to contact James: https://parryconsulting.org/contact-me/James Parry LinkedIN profile and James Parry Consulting website.The Concordat to Support Research Integrity (2025).UK Committee on Rese

🎧 Show notesEpisode title: Who Gets to Belong? LGBT+ History MonthPodcast: Research Culture UncoveredHost: Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths (Researcher Development Advisor, University of Leeds)Episode overviewLGBT+ History Month takes place every February, and the 2026 theme is Science & Innovation. In this episode, Heledd is joined by Morgan Buswell and Dr Robin Hayward to explore what LGBT+ History Month means in a research context — including how science and innovation spaces are experienced by LGBT+ colleagues, why some stories and contributions remain overlooked, and what helps create cultures where people genuinely feel able to belong and thrive.The conversation reflects on the balance between celebration and realism, the emotional labour involved in community and visibility work, and the importance of curiosity, psychological safety, and practical inclusion within research cultures.Featured contributorsMorgan Buswell (he/him) - Morgan works across internal and external communications at the University of Leeds and has been Co-Chair of the University’s LGBT+ Staff Network for the past two years. In this role, he supports community building, visibility, and inclusive engagement across the institution, helping to create spaces where LGBT+ colleagues feel able to connect, be heard, and access support.Connect with Morgan: LinkedIn: Morgan BuswellDr Robin Hayward (they/them)Dr Robin Hayward is the Communications and Engagement Officer for the Leeds Ecosystem, Atmosphere and Forest Centre (LEAF) at the University of Leeds, sharing research into trees and woodlands across the institution. Robin was also part of the team that developed the University’s Inclusive Fieldwork Hub, supporting safety, equity and inclusion for LGBTQ+ fieldworkers.Outside the University, Robin is a freelance science communicator, communication trainer, LGBTQ+ educator and designer, specialising in the intersection between nature and LGBTQ+ identities. They were recently commissioned to create the official badge design for LGBT+ History Month 2026.Connect with RobinLinkedIn: Robin HaywardBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/canopyrobin.com<spa

In today's episode, Taryn Bell talks to Dr Mat Tata, Research Programme Manager (EDI in Research) at Cancer Research UK. Mat leads CRUK's work on equality, diversity and inclusion in research, and offers us an insight into research culture from the funder's perspective.Key highlights:1️⃣Understanding the grant review process - Mat discusses how decisions are made across CRUK's funding calls, and the steps CRUK has taken to ensure their funding process is transparent, proportional and equitable.2️⃣Funders as a mechanism for healthier research cultures - Taryn and Mat discuss the role of funders like CRUK in encouraging good behaviour while managing more serious issues of research misconduct.3️⃣Cancer Research UK's role in supporting researchers and the public - Mat discusses how CRUK is different from other funders, and shares some of their recent work improving science literacy across the UK.Want to know more about Cancer Research UK, or about the resources mentioned in this episode?CRUK's EDI in Research Strategic ApproachCRUK's Policy on dignity at work in researchCRUK's Research integrity guidelinesCRUK's Research in Cancers of Unmet NeedCRUK's Narrative CV guidance'Research careers – changing the narrative for CVs' (written by Mat)<a href="https://pep-cv.mariecuriealumni.eu/" rel="noopen

This episode focuses on changing career from postdoctoral research to project management. Ruth Winden talks to Leeds alumni Dr Shirley-Anne Paul, Project Manager at Drax plc.With a background in Psychology, Shirley made the switch to project management after nine years as a postdoc at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leeds and the University of York. She has had an illustrious project management career ever since, starting out in the Workers' Educational Association (WEA), then moving to Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber, the University of Leeds, the fintech sector at My Money Matters, and most recently to Drax Power Station in North Yorkshire.Key highlights from the podcast conversation:- Postdocs possess many transferable skills that are ideal for project management roles, such as organisational, time management, stakeholder engagement, and strong written and data analysis skills.- Making the move from academia to project management can feel like a significant leap of faith, even involving a period of grieving over leaving one's research behind. But PM offers fulfilment and a rewarding new career path.- Experience in different sectors and organisations can give project managers a distinct advantage, allowing them to manage diverse projects, work with different stakeholders, and adapt to multiple project management methodologies like Waterfall and Agile.- To be successful in project management, Shirley-Anne Paul recommends that researchers who consider project management roles connect with other project managers 9also via LinkedIn groups), pursue formal project management qualifications, and strategically transition first into roles that align closely with their previous postdoctoral experience, to ease the move. After securing that first project management role, it is common to move into different sectors and roles, as PM is such a flexible and varied career option.Technical Terms used:SME = Subject Matter Expertise | Project Management Methodologies: Prince2, Waterfall and Agile.If you'd like to find out more about Shirley's or Ruth's career path, please go to their LinkedIn profiles: Dr Shirley-Anne Paul | Ruth Winden All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgedhall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"

In our Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter? In this episode we welcome new host, Dr Emily Ennis, to the team. We get to hear more about Emily before she hosts episodes on her specialist topics.Emily shares her background in research culture and her role as the Research Culture Manager at the University of Leeds, which includes leading the research culture team and overseeing evaluation and strategy. She elaborates on her background, shares her interests outside of work, and talks about her plans for future podcast episodes.Topics include:Emily's role and responsibilities at the University of LeedsGetting to know Emily with more on her hobbies and interestsEmily's passion for Research CultureThe challenges Emily identifies in research and academiaWhat Emily is working on and what she will be doingHow Emily views collaboration and competition in Research CultureWhat will Emily be covering in her upcoming episodes:Thought-provoking conversations on the evaluation of Research CultureMeasuring the impact of research culture improvements while emphasising the importance of collaboration within the higher education sectorLinks for this episode:Emily's previous episode Research Excellence FrameworkSPRE: Strategy, People and Research EnvironmentAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/hallged.bsky.

Episode overviewSaying no is rarely just about confidence or time management. In research and higher education, it’s shaped by career stage, job security, power dynamics, working patterns, caring responsibilities, and the cultures we work within.In this episode, Heledd slows the conversation down and listens to reflections from a postgraduate researcher, academic colleagues at different career stages, and professional services colleagues working in learning and development and digital practice.Together, these voices show that “no” isn’t equally available to everyone — and that healthier research cultures depend on more than individual resilience. They depend on clear expectations, healthy role modelling, psychological safety, and respect for boundaries.Featured contributorsEima Karim — Postgraduate ResearcherFinal-year PhD student based in the Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM).🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eima-karim-a69276172/Keith Livingstone — Academic / Fixed-term contract perspectiveOrganic chemistry researcher whose career has taken him from Glasgow to Hertfordshire, Germany, and Leeds. Former Teaching and Research Fellow in Chemistry; now Assistant Learning Technologist in Digital Education Enhancement.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-livingstone/James Poulter — Academic leadership perspectiveAssociate Professor of Genomic Medicine, combining genomics and organoid models to understand brain development. UKRI Future Leaders Fellow (2020).🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-poulter-118093a8/🦋 Bluesky: @japoulter.bsky.socialKate Noll — Learning Development AdvisorLead on G2–G5 Development at the University of Leeds. Specialist in personal development and career progression, passionate about empowering individuals to recognise their strengths and potential.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-noll-a95314213/Sarah Budello — Digital Practice AdvisorCoach, facilitator, and creative communicator working across staff development, community building, and personal support. Host of Developing People!🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbudello🎧 Podcast: <a href="https://uoldevelopi

In our first episode of 2026 Nick talks to Josh Sendall about his career in academic libraries, culminating in his recent appointment as Acting Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds.In a wide ranging conversation Josh discusses the importance of research libraries and how 'openness' is deeply aligned with both his own and university values, the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how libraries have always adapted to new information technology.Josh reflects on his rapid career trajectory that has benefitted from "planned happenstance" and shares some of what he has learned along the way.His advice to others? Understand your values, know your value, and seek roles that align with personal purpose.Episode highlights:Josh sees leadership as service — to students, researchers, and the wider civic and cultural mission of the universityHe emphasises vulnerability, humanity, and continuous learning as essential leadership traitsJosh’s career demonstrates planned happenstance — being curious, taking opportunities, embracing non‑linear progressionJosh’s lived experience informs his strong leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) to address systemic challenges - underrepresentation in academia and attainment gapsHe advocates for equity, not just equality, to ensure fairer participation in HE and knowledge creation.While AI can perpetuate existing underrepresentation in the knowledge base, open research can contribute to the democratisation of knowledge creationLinks:Library Homepage | Library | University of Leedsthe Brotherton Collection of Manuscript Verse<a href="https://leedsunilibrary.wordpress.com/category/digital-library-infrastructure-p

This special holiday episode is all about celebration, laughter, and a little friendly competition! The Research Culture Uncovered podcast team wraps up the year with a cheerful mix of knowledge and festive fun, proving that research culture can sparkle with joy.Join your quizmaster Dr Emma Spary as she attempts to keep control of proceedings. Before the quiz begins we have an early gift for our listeners. We’re pleased to welcome Dr Emily Ennis as a new host. Her passion for shaping research environments promises exciting conversations in the year ahead—you’ll get more in January when she stars in her own Meet the Host episode, but for now, consider this your festive sneak peek!Today, forget business as usual and join us in a festive quiz! All our fabulous hosts are gathered in one virtual room, ready to test their knowledge, buzzers, creativity, and competitive spirit. With three rounds of questions covering research culture, holiday trivia, and host special topics, expect plenty of laughs and maybe a little friendly rivalry.We’ll reveal answers after each question so you can keep score too. Will you beat the hosts? There are 20 points up for grabs—make them count!Apologies: Due to the short time available to record, edit and publish this episode, we haven't been able to correct and upload the transcript. All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent

In this episode of the Research Culture Uncovered podcast, host Dr Taryn Bell talks with Dr Sara Shinton and Dr Katie Nicoll Baines from the Future Leaders Fellows Development Network. Together, they discuss how the FLFDN enables future research leaders, supports institutions across the UK and helps shape a more collaborative and collegiate research culture.Key highlights:1️⃣ Enabling, rather than training, researchers - Sara and Katie share examples of the support the Network offers to Future Leaders Fellows, and discuss the importance of helping researchers to develop their own resources and support2️⃣ Researcher support as an iterative process - in other words, learning from Fellows what works, and proactively responding to their needs3️⃣ Advocating for open-access support for institutions - Sara and Katie discuss how they provide freely available support for a wide variety of institutions, particularly those who don't currently have a Future Leaders Fellow.Want to know more?FLF Development Network websiteEnabling Future Leaders (support for aspiring and current host institutions)FLFDN Toolkits HubUKRI Future Leaders FellowshipsAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)<a href="https://player.captivate.fm/collection/c2f4fdc5-ee6a-4f39-8bdd-84c66f

🎙️ The Research Culture Uncovered podcast team is thrilled to present our latest episode featuring Vicky Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Emerald Publishing. Join hosts Ged Hall, Head of Researcher Development at the University of Leeds, and Nick Sheppard, Open Research Advisor in the University’s Library, as they delve into the insights and experiences of Vicky in shaping research culture.🔹 Vicky shares her 25-year journey at Emerald Publishing and how the organisation’s founding values have driven its mission to make research usable in the world outside academia.🔹 Discover how Emerald Publishing supports equitable access and impact, including their longstanding zero-embargo green open access policy and initiatives like the 'Are you in?' commitments and their free impact services.🔹 Learn about the challenges faced by the scholarly publishing industry in promoting sustainable open access and meaningful change, and how Emerald Publishing is navigating these complexities to remain true to its values.🔹 Vicky calls for a collective effort from academia, publishers, and institutions to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and impactful research practices.If you want to hear our episode with Dr Julie Bayley: (Episode 126) Research Impact Heroes: Dr Julie Bayley on Finding Your People or the one with Dr Simon Kerridge: (Episode 115) The Diverse World of Research Management and Administration with Simon Kerridge💡 Find out more about Vicky, Emerald Publishing and their initiatives via their website and social media channels:www.emerald.comwww.emeraldgrouppublishing.comEmerald Publishing: Overview | LinkedInEmerald Publishing(@emeraldpublishing.bsky.social) — BlueskyVicky Williams | LinkedInAcronyms used in the episode:CSR - Corporate Social ResponsiblityN8 - the eight research intensive universities in the north of EnglandCoARA - Coalition for Advan

In this episode, Ruth Winden, Careers with Research Consultant at the University of Leeds, speaks to Dr Elizabeth Faulkner and Dr Cathal Rogers about the UK's Higher Education sector and its systemic inequalities for researchers who return to their research careers after maternity leave. Following a nation-wide Freedom of Information request to 130 Higher Education institutions in the UK, Elizabeth and Cathal undertook painstaking analysis of universities' maternity leave policies for researchers.They published their findings in this Open Access article: Faulkner, E.A and Rogers, C (2025) Confronting the lack of support for academics returning to research from maternity leave in UK higher education; Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, pp. 1–23.Elizabeth and Cathal are now researching the topic further - watch the space. Key highlights:1️⃣ There are many inconsistencies across UK HE in support for returning researchers2️⃣ Disparity isn’t directly linked to the size or research-intensity of institutions3️⃣ Gender inequality still impacts career progression negatively4️⃣ Practical Recommendations: codifying existing support, making policies accessible and visible, establishing minimum standards of support, giving tailored guidance for managers, and explicitly considering maternity leave in promotion assessments Episode references:REF - The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK's system for assessing the excellence of research in UK higher education providers. Athena Swan - The Athena Swan Charter is a framework used globally to achieve gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.EDI - Equality, Diversity, InclusionFOI - Freedom of Information (the UK's national policy about the right to request information) https://www.gov.uk/make-a-freedom-of-information-requestUK support organisations for pregnancy loss: the Miscarriage Association, Tommy's, the NHS Contact/Resources:Dr Elizabeth Faulkner, <

In this insightful episode, Dr. Emily Goodall speaks with Dr. James Greenwood-Reeves about how research can be radically reimagined when it’s creative, collaborative, and community-led. Together, they explore how working with drag artists through the “Laws a Drag” network is challenging traditional academic norms and reshaping what research culture can look like.Key highlights:1️⃣ Co-production is powerful: Collaboration goes beyond treating participants as research subjects, when drag artists guided the research, it became more ethical and impactful.2️⃣ Creative methods matter: Arts-based approaches like forum theatre amplify marginalised voices and encourage researchers to reflect on their own roles.3️⃣ Responsible research: Research that genuinely serves and empowers communities. "Laws a Drag" combines ethical rigor with practical support, producing outcomes that truly matter to the people involved.4️⃣ Building trust & networks takes work: Lasting change requires time and care. Strong partnerships between academics and artists create enduring cultural and structural impact.Contact/Resources:Dr James Greenwood-Reeves university profile.Laws a Drag Network: A creative, community-led research network focusing on drag artists and the law.Social Legal Studies Association (SLSA): A UK charity supporting education and research in socio-legal studies through conferences, funding, and annual prizes.Listen again: Episode 108: The art of being you: Research presentations as your authentic self.All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (f

Show NotesEpisode Summary:In Beyond the Pain Scale: Embodied Research, host Dr Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths speaks with Dr Neko Mellor about how chronic pain, disability, and neurodiversity shape both research and writing. Drawing on her PhD in English at the University of Leeds, Neko explores how twenty-first-century women authors represent pain, reflecting on the limits of medical pain scales, the challenges of articulating ongoing pain, and what it means to research through the body. Blending literary analysis with lived experience, she examines how pain is expressed, understood, and misunderstood—both medically and culturally—and what this means for disabled and neurodivergent researchers navigating academia.Content note:This episode discusses chronic pain, disability, neurodiversity, and lived experience in research. These themes include personal reflections on illness, embodiment, and medical care. While the conversation is supportive and aims to promote understanding and inclusion, some listeners may find aspects of it emotionally resonant. If the issues raised in this episode affect you, please see the support and resources linked below.Key takeaways🔹 Beyond the Pain ScaleNeko critiques conventional pain measurement, showing how numerical scales capture intensity but overlook meaning, context, and emotional reality.🔹 Writing Through PainExploring memoir, lyric essays, and autoethnography, Neko reveals how narratives struggle to contain ongoing pain—and how resisting neat endings can be an act of truth.🔹 Embodied and Neurodivergent ResearchDrawing on her lived experience of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD, and dyspraxia, Neko describes how embracing embodiment reshaped her research approach and challenged academic conventions.🔹 InclusiveSupervision and SupportThe discussion highlights the importance of flexible supervision, awareness of Disability Services and DSA, and the power of compassionate academic relationships.🔹 Community and ConnectionFrom peer networks and online neurodivergent communities to the grounding comfort of pets, Neko reflects on how connection sustains disabled researchers.🔹 Towards an EmbodiedResearch CultureThe episode calls for academia to value lived experience as knowledge and to make space for embodied, experimental, and inclusive methodologies.Resources and supportUniversity of Leeds Disability Services  <a href="https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa" rel="noopener noreferr

In this episode of the 'Research Culture Uncovered' podcast, Emma Spary, Associate Director for Researcher Development and Research Culture at the University of Leeds, is joined by guests Nik Ogryzko, from UKRI's Central Talent Team, and Kelly Vere, Director of Technical Strategy at the University of Nottingham. The discussion explores the need for a shift from a culture that's merely nice to one that's collaborative and structurally supportive. They include the importance of recognising contributions from all team members, including technicians, research administrators, and digital experts, to foster better research outcomes. Key highlights:The shortcomings of the current PI-centric model in research, suggesting a more integrated and systemic approach that values diverse roles and reduces bureaucratic burdens. Examples from institutions like Warwick, Bath, Exeter, and UCL, which have restructured their research operations to enhance efficiency and support. A team-centred approach from the outset, valuing diverse expertise and collaborative roles, is essential for a thriving research culture.A call to rethink research evaluation measures beyond publications, considering broader impacts like career sustainability, data quality, and team development.Nik introduces us to the concept of the Unicorn Postdoc that can do everything.In this episode several initiatives and outputs are referenced:Technician Commitment: A national initiative to support technical staff in higher education and research.UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy: A body focused on advancing technical skills and career pathways.National <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pris-managers.ac.uk%2F&data=05%7C02%7Ce.j.spary%40leeds.ac.uk%7Cd10178fd075c4c94778f08de4c52d356%7Cbdeaeda8c81d45ce863e5232a535b7cb%7C0%7C0%7C639032115779779187%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VZrJMQG3y8F2knLn8%2FKwL7T4IrRV38n%2B11N6c5l0%2FNQ%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" ta

Research Culture Uncovered: Navigating Career and Parenthood as a ScientistHost Ruth Winden (Careers with Research Consultant) and guest Dr. Hema Viswambharan (Senior Scientist, LICAMM, University of Leeds)“Building a career after a break is like a marathon and not a sprint.” (Dr. Hema Viswambharan)Episode Overview:In this highly personal episode, Ruth Winden speaks with Dr. Hema Viswambharan about the realities of juggling a research career with parenthood. Drawing on her 20 years of experience as both a scientist and a mother, Hema shares her lived experiences, highlighting personal and professional challenges, effective coping strategies, and the value of support networks.Key Discussion Points:Inspiration and Early Career:Hema describes her journey into science, inspired by her parents, especially her mother, “a female scientist in her own respect.”The Impact of Parenthood on Career:Hema chose to “stay as a research fellow,” bringing up three children while maintaining her career, supported by her line manager.Challenges Faced:Professional isolation and loss of networking opportunities during career breaks and especially when during her return to work after maternity leave, re-engaging with her career and staying up to date with rapid scientific advancements during her absence.Balancing lab work, research and professional development with the needs of her family and her own needs. Solutions and Support Mechanisms Hema sought out and/or created:Engaging in Professional Development to continuously upskill herself.Finding time for personal development programs at the University of Leeds, including workshops, online courses, and seminars.Integrating learning into her daily routine.Proactive communication with her line manager was key to receiving necessary support.Annual staff reviews and regular updates ensured alignment between personal and professional needs.Mentoring and coaching provided “empathetic guidance” for overcoming career progression stalls after breaks.Establishing routines and self-reflection helped manage practical and emotional challenges.Building a strong support network of colleagues and mentors proved invaluable.Her advice: “Be patient and kind to yourself… seek out and take advantage of personal development opportunities and network support.”Contact/Resources:Dr Hema Viswambharan on LinkedIn and her <a href="https://medicinehealth.leeds.ac.uk/medicine/staff/844/dr-hema-viswambharan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank

University of Leeds Libraries is proud to partner with Wikimedia UK to promote open knowledge across campus and beyond. Wikimedia UK is the national chapter of the global Wikimedia movement and in this episode Nick is joined by Dr. Lucy Hinnie and Dr. Richard Nevell to explore the role of Wikimedians in Residence, particularly at universities. Lucy and Richard discuss the importance of Wikipedia in promoting knowledge transparency and share their experiences working with Wikimedia UK, highlighting different projects aimed at leveraging Wikipedia for educational and research purposes. Key topics include the integration of Wikimedia into academic settings, the impact of open knowledge on public engagement, and the challenges posed by AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT.Key takeaways include:🔹 The role of a Wikimedian in Residence🔹 The benefits of engaging with the Wikimedia platforms in Higher Education🔹 The importance of human curated knowledge in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI)Links:Promoting engagement in universities (Poulter & Sheppard, 2020)Wikimedia Residency at the University of LeedsThe British Library Wikimedia ResidencyNew partnership delivers Wikimedia UK’s first-ever residency for climateGetting the Words Out (and Back In): What to do When a Plague Image is Not an Image of Plague "Wikipedia has a chance to be a free, universally recognized, and comprehensive counterpoint to slop, at a time when that is badly needed" Ted McCormick (BluesKy post)Knowledge Equity Network</

In this episode ‘Sparking Impact: The People, Values, and Vibe of the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum with Dr Vicky Ward’ Ged Hall talks to Dr. Vicky Ward (Reader in Management at the University of St. Andrews) about the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum and her period as its Chair. They discuss the unique world of knowledge mobilisation and what makes the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum so special, including its aims and format.The key takeaways from the discussion are:🔹 Discover Vicky’s fascinating journey from music PhD to leading knowledge mobilisation in the UK. 🔹 Learn the origins and evolution of the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum, and how it’s built a vibrant, supportive community. 🔹 Explore what makes the Forum different from traditional conferences: interactive workshops, knowledge fayres, and a focus on collaboration over presentations. 🔹 Hear about the Forum’s core values—sustainability, inclusivity, and creating a safe, energising space for practitioners and researchers.If you’re passionate about making research matter and building connections across sectors, the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum is for you.To follow, connect and attend the Forum, check out the following:The Forum’s LinkedIn page (UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum)The Forum’s website (https://knowledgemobilisation.net/), where you can also check out who is on the Forum committee.The email address to be added to the distribution list: [email protected] connect with Vicky, take a look at her LinkedIn profile and her University profile pageVicky's paper that influenced Ged's early research impact workshops is Ward, V., Foy, R., House, A., Smith, S., & Hamer, S. (2010). Planning for knowledge translation: a researcher’s guide. Evidence & Policy, 6(4), 527-541. Retrieved Sep 19, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1332/174426410X535882She also produced a technical report with other colleagues, called "<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262952769_Knowledge_Brokering_Exploring_the_process_of

It's time to talk about failure again! In this episode, Taryn Bell chats with Ireen Litvak-Zur, Senior Consultant at Advance HE. Ireen discusses her experiences of failure both in and out of academia, and shares her thoughts on how to fail well.Key takeaways:"Failure now is a step in a process, rather than an outcome": there's still an ingrained stigma against failure in academia, but Ireen's own views on failure changed dramatically after she left academiaHow we deal with failure can make those failures worse: The easy fix for failure is to put more pressure on yourself - but this has hugely negative impacts on academics in the long runThe importance of both self-compassion and a growth mindset: When we stop punishing ourselves for our failures, we're more able to learn from themTo listen back to our previous episodes on failure, check out the links below:Navigating Failure in AcademiaHow to Handle Professional FailureFrom setback to success: supporting researchers after unsuccessful funding applicationsYou can learn more about Ireen using the link below:Ireen Litvak-ZurAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with

What started as a bold idea has made a real, lasting impact on supporting Early Career Researchers (ECRs) at the University of Leeds. A team of exceptional postdocs, Jessica Swanson, Laurin McDowall and James Warren led a collaborative project that tackled some of the biggest challenges ECRs face: fragmented information on professional development, the need for greater awareness of opportunities, a route to gain formal project management qualifications and/or become chartered.  With professional services staff Taryn Bell, Anisha (Parsotam) O'Hagan, Nazia Nasir and Ruth Winden supporting (not leading!) and generous Research England funding, they  📌 created a central digital ECR Hub,  📌 ran a packed fellowship fair,  📌 enabled over 35 postdocs to go through the Prince2 project management certification,  📌 and helped a sizeable group of researchers on their way to become Chartered Scientists.  Key learnings of this 9-month project:  1⃣ When postdocs are empowered to lead, innovation follows. “Listen to the postdocs—they know the challenges they face.”  2⃣ Cross-team collaboration (professional services and postdocs) unlocks impressive results. 3⃣ Building strong professional relationships and networks accelerates positive change.  4⃣ Recognition matters: the three postdocs earned the FBS Partnership Award for its cultural impact.  If you are interested in how this project got started - listen to this episode from September 2024 (Season 9/Episode 3): https://research-culture.captivate.fm/episode/-postdocs-as-innovators-shaping-research-culture-at-the-university-of-leeds/All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)<a href="https://player.captivate.fm/collection/c2f4fdc5-ee6a-4f39-8bdd-84c66f9ea3fc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank

This week Nick speaks with his Library colleague Kikachukwu Oluonye about the UKRN Train the Trainer programme.Like Nick, Kikachukwu is an Open Research Adviser based in the Library and also has a role with the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) as Open Research Coordinators and Administrator (ORCA).As a member institution of UKRN, Kikachukwu would like to invite University of Leeds colleagues to apply to be part of the second cohort of the UKRN Train the Trainer programme. You'll need to be quick though as the deadline is next week, 17th September.We also hear from Dr Scott Mclaughlin, Associate Professor in Composition and Music Technology based in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Scott was a member of the first cohort last year and talks about open research from the perspective of Arts and Humanities, and as a practice researcher.Episode highlights:UKRN Train the Trainer Programme Overview: The University of Leeds joined the UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN) consortium in February 2024, participating in the Train the Trainer programme designed to create Open Research Training leads. The programme is open to professional services staff, researchers, research fellows, and PIs with free courses running from September through December.Cross-disciplinary Challenges in Open Research: The conversation reveals how open research practices vary significantly across, even within, disciplines While traditional reproducibility concepts from psychology and other empirical disciplines don't directly translate to arts and humanities, there are valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue and adaptation of open research principles.Practice Research and Open Scholarship: Dr. McLaughlin's work in experimental music composition demonstrates how practice-based research in the arts faces unique challenges around copyright, and making creative processes transparent while maintaining artistic integrity and commercial viability.Institutional Support and Recognition: Programme participants receive certificates upon completion and the title of Open Research Training leads, with the initiative supported by Research England funding and led locally by Professor Daryl O

🎙️ Dive into the world of research technical professionals, or RTPs, in our latest episode on the Research Culture Uncovered podcast. Join Ged Hall as he welcomes Marie Daniels, Programme Manager of the UK Robotics and Autonomous Systems Strategic Technical Platform or UK RAS STEPS, to discuss how they are working with Research Technical Professionals to cultivate a thriving, dynamic and vibrant community.Here’s what you’ll discover:🔍 Empowering Careers: Explore how UK RAS STEPS and 10 other programmes (all funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) in different technical areas are cultivating thriving, supportive communities with Research Technical Professionals across the UK.👥 A Collaborative Force: Learn about UK RAS STEPS special interest groups and international connections enhancing technician development and collaboration and how RTPs are benefitting from being work package leads and co-investigators.🥇 Celebrating Success: From innovative teamwork to transformative robotics impact, find out how the Technical Excellence Awards, that were one part of the Technical Showcase, recognise outstanding contributions from the RTP community.To find out more and to connect with UK RAS STEPS:EPSRC’s press release from March 2024 about the funding and all 11 projects.UK RAS STEPS website: https://www.ukras-steps.org/UK RAS STEPS email address: [email protected] to the UK RAS STEPS newsletter: https://www.ukras-steps.org/contact-us/newsletter/Sign up for upcoming online training here: https://www.ukras-steps.org/personal-development/training/All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: <a href="https://player.capt

In this episode, Taryn Bell speaks to Dr Ireen Litvak-Zur about her reflections on the June 2025 AdvanceHE symposium, 'Barriers and Enablers to Thriving Research Cultures'.Ireen discusses her role at Advance HE, their programs aimed at fostering a sustainable research ecosystem, and the impact of limited resources on research culture.Key takeaways:The incentive to shift from focusing on barriers, to identifying enablersThe value of the symposium in providing practical toolkits and advice, to help others take actionable stepsThe need to reach a 'critical mass', to ensure events like these have an impact beyond those already invested in thriving research cultures.You can learn more about Ireen, the symposium and AdvanceHE using the links below:Ireen Litvak-ZurAdvanceHEThe 2025 AdvanceHE symposium programmeAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research talent management<a href="https://player.captivate.fm/collection/f62132a4-2297-4af5-a659-288dccc47220" rel="

In this solo episode, Ruth Winden, the Careers with Research Consultant at the University of Leeds, shares her insights of designing, facilitating and expanding the range of group-based career development programmes for the university's researcher community.Over the last decade, Leeds has built a strong track record of creating impactful cohort-based career courses, from "Career Architect", "Career Accelerator", to "Career Catalyst", and now the "Fellowship Accelerator" and the "Career Navigator" programmes. The latest venture into providing peer-to-peer based development is for Research Adjacents, via our new "Research Adjacent Career Conversations" programme. Here are some benefits of group-based career development programmes that don't get enough attention: 1. Enhanced Support and Connection:- Group-based programmes foster a strong sense of community and belonging, reducing isolation and making career challenges more enjoyable and less daunting. One participant observed, already after the first session, "I feel less lonely now!" 2. Momentum and Optimism:- Group members inspire and energise each other, with shared progress boosting everyone's motivation. Witnessing a peer's breakthrough can rejuvenate your belief in the possibility of positive change. 3. Broader Perspectives and Networks:- Diverse groups bring a wealth of ideas, experiences, and networks. This collaborative environment enriches learning, encourages sharing, and strengthens career management skills beyond traditional one-to-one coaching. For more information on some of the programmes, head to our website: https://researchersupport.leeds.ac.uk/Here is the link to the promised handout on HOW to design group-based programmes, based on Ruth's workshop at the Career Thought Leaders Symposium in Lisbon in April 2024. If you want to share comments, thoughts, challenges about this episode, please connect with me. I'm always eager to talk to colleagues about the fascinating world of group-based development! LinkedIn ruthwinden and @ruthwinden on X/Twitter All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on LinkedIn)<a href="https://player.captivate.fm/collection/859c3801-ad5d-41e8-a8f5-bad2b278692f" rel="noopener noreferrer" targ

Research Culture Uncovered are excited to share the second in a new series of podcast episodes called Research Impact Heroes. In this series Ged Hall will be talking to people who have inspired him and helped him in his research impact journey. In this episode Ged gets to sit down with the brilliant Dr. Julie Bayley—Director of Research Impact and Culture and Associate Professor at Northeastern University, London.Julie brings a unique blend of experience as an academic, impact professional, and patient representative. In this candid conversation, we dive into:🔹 Bridging Research and Real-World ChangeJulie shares her journey from health psychology to impact leadership, highlighting the ongoing challenge of ensuring research truly benefits the wider world—rather than stopping at the publication stage. She shares a range of insights about supporting people to close the gap between research and societal change🔹 Being an 'impact nerd': the opportunity to help people make a differenceJulie discusses what it’s like to straddle roles as both a researcher and an impact professional, alongside her activities as a patient representative. She discusses the privilege and complexity of hybrid academic careers, and how much she values the continued opportunity to help colleagues make a difference they care about. 🔹 Redefining Success: Evidence, Culture & CommunityFrom navigating the pressures of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) to the importance of approachable metaphors (think: sausages and unicorns!), Julie champions building cultures that value learning, inclusion, and practical support. Julie also reveals several of her Research Impact Heroes:Derek Stewart, [ju1] Honorary Professor for the University of Galway and Patient Advocate<a href="https://pureportal.coventry.ac.uk/en/persons/ele-belfiore?_t_tags=siteid:5cc5b133-9764-4cea-bd2c-ebcc747fe7fa%2clanguage:en&_t_hit.id=CovUni_Website_Models_Pages_StandardPage/_4f702f06-aeb6-46cc-ba4e-637736d680ae_en-GB&_t_hit.pos=2&_gl=1*1b8j1tg*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTY3NjM4MjQuMTc1Mjc2NDI3Mg..*_ga_7VZC8X705P*czE3NTI3NjQyNzEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTI3NjQyNzEkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_2LG4LME95N*czE3NTI3NjQyNzEkbzEkZzAkdDE3NTI3NjQyNzEkajYwJGwwJGgxNzkxMzAzNjU4*_ga_Z1PPT1W6W3*czE3NTI3NjQyNzEkbzEkZzAkdDE3

In this episode, host Dr Emily Goodall welcomes Professor Judith Hanks, Professor of Applied Linguistics in the School of Education at the University of Leeds and Chair of the cross-faculty research ethics committee. They delved into the essential, yet often overlooked, role of research ethics review in shaping positive culture. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🧱 Ethics as integral to research Culture, not just a hurdle: Many researchers approach the ethics review process with the expectation of quick approvals, often perceiving reviewers’ queries as obstacles. However, ethics should not be seen as a bureaucratic hurdle, but rather as a foundational and constructive part of research—something to be embedded from the very beginning.⚖️ Benefits and challenges of ethical review: Engaging in ethical review can be intellectually rewarding. It invites critical reflection on research design and impact. At the same time, it presents challenges, such as time constraints and the need to navigate complex, sometimes ambiguous, ethical dilemmas.🤝 Building a positive research culture through conversation, recognition, and community: A positive research culture is strengthened through open, ongoing conversations about ethics, supported by interdisciplinary communities and formal recognition of ethical engagement. Framing ethics training as an inclusive dialogue—rather than a compliance exercise—encourages meaningful participation from researchers at all career stages.Judith encourages listeners to explore the websites of their research institutions and relevant learned societies, which offer valuable resources such as ethical guidelines, codes of practice, and principles to support ethical research. She also recommends reaching out to local ethics committee members for advice and to ask about opportunities to get involved in the ethics review process yourself, as it can be a rewarding and enriching experience.🔍 Resources mentioned in this episode: British Educational Research Association (BERA) – The organization offers materials and guidelines focused on research ethics within educational research. British Association of Applied Linguists (BAAL) – Provides resources and principles related to ethical considerations in applied linguistics research. British Psychological Association (BPS) – Their website includes codes of practice and resources

In this episode of the 'Research Culture Uncovered' podcast, Emma Spary, now the Associate Director for Researcher Development and Research Culture at the University of Leeds, hosts a reflective conversation with Professor Cat Davies. As Cat steps down from her groundbreaking role as Dean for Research Culture at Leeds, they discuss her achievements, challenges and contributions over the past four years.They explore the challenges in shaping research culture, the inception of the role, the strategic initiatives launched, and what makes for excellent research culture. This episode provides insights into the practical changes implemented at Leeds, the importance of grassroots involvement, and the future of research culture. Cat reflects on her strategies, the importance of community-driven efforts, and the ongoing challenges in defining research culture. She also shares her future plans in the field of research culture at a sector-wide level. Key messages:The Beginning: What attracted Cat to this role, the first time it was offered at LeedsChallenges and achievements in Research CultureThe Middle: The easiest and hardest parts encountered by Cat, including her proudest moments and key initiativesTransition and Future Plans: Why is now the right time to step away? What Cat hopes to do nextIn this episode Cat references several initiatives and outputs:University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023The Technician Commitment at LeedsOur resources, case-studies, projects and practiceAll of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn) Research Impact Heroes with Ged Hall Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/nickshepp.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_

This week Nick talks to Simon Hettrick about the importance of recognising research outputs beyond the traditional academic publications of journal articles and books. These include software, data, exhibitions, compositions, performances...the diverse range of research materials across different disciplines.Simon is Director of Strategy at the Software Sustainability Institute. He led a campaign to gain recognition for Research Software Engineers – a new role in research – and is now the Chair of the Hidden REF: a national campaign that looks to recognise all research outputs and every role that makes research possible. Simon and colleagues have recently launched their own podcast on YouTube called What the REF.Key takeaways:Hidden REF and the 5% Manifesto: Simon explains the motivation behind the Hidden REF campaign, which aims to make research assessment more inclusive of a wider array of outputs. The 5% Manifesto challenges universities to ensure that at least 5% of their future REF submissions are from non-traditionally submitted categories.The Role of the Software Sustainability Institute (SSI): Simon shares the background of the SSI, established in 2010 to help researchers improve the use of software in research. The Institute played a key role in founding the Research Software Engineer (RSE) movement, which has grown rapidly and internationally.Recognition for All Research Roles: The episode discusses the importance of recognising all contributors to research - not just researchers themselves, but also RSEs, data stewards, librarians, and technicians. With recent changes to REF guidelines allowing all staff to submit outputs, there’s momentum to value the diverse people who make research possible.Non-Traditionally Submitted Outputs (NTOs): We discuss the ongoing debate around terminology with Simon favouring “not traditionally submitted outputs” rather than Non-Traditional Outputs while retaining the same abbreviation.Infrastructure and Preservation Challenges: Nick and Simon discuss the fragmented infrastructure for storing and preserving different research outputs, from institutional repositories to GitHub and Zenodo. Sustainable storage and preservation are highlighted as significant challenges for the sector.Practical Advice and Policy Initiatives: The discussion covers practicalit

Career mobility in academia has traditionally been seen as a one-way street. You're either in academia, or you leave - never to return! But is this true?In this episode of the Research Culture Uncovered podcast, hosts Taryn Bell and Ruth Winden discuss career mobility with Danni Croucher, Policy Lead at the National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB). We also hear from researchers at Leeds with experience moving between academia and other sectors.Key takeaways:✅ Career mobility has huge potential benefits for both researchers and organisations, whether moving into industry permanently, or for a short-term secondment.❗However, there are organisational and structural barriers to mobility which need to be tackled to make it easier to move between sectors.📣 Thankfully, there are a huge number of initiatives out there to support researchers as they gain experience in a variety of organisations.Resources and initiatives mentioned in the show:National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) career mobility webpageNCUB reports: Marking one year on: Researcher Mobility Taskforce; Pathways to Success; Building a data-driven picture of researcher intersectoral mobility in the UK; International characterisation of researcher mobility schemes; A qualitative deep dive into experiences and attitudes towards the cross-sector mobility of researchersProsperDeveloping Business Aware AcademicsUKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF)Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)Centre for Postdoctoral D

📋 Content Note In this episode, we explore the practice of coaching in academia, including how it can support leadership, career development, and wellbeing. The conversation touches on emotionally sensitive topics such as personal and professional transitions, experiences of low confidence, navigating vulnerability, neurodiversity, and challenges related to academic culture and job security. While these topics are discussed in a supportive and professional context, we acknowledge that some listeners may find aspects of the discussion personally resonant or emotionally impactful. If any issues raised concern you, please look after yourself and seek support if you need it. Resources and support links are available in the show notes.In this episode of Research Culture Uncovered, host Dr. Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths is joined by three brilliant guests for Part 2 of our two-part special exploring coaching in academia. Heledd is joined by:Harriet Boatwright — Organisational Learning Partner and Co-lead of the University of Leeds internal coaching poolDr. Caterina Presi — Associate Professor of Marketing Practice at Leeds, University Business SchoolDr. Andreea Bordianu — Lecturer in Accounting at Leeds University Business SchoolTogether, they share powerful personal stories and reflections on how coaching works in practice, the challenges it helps address, and how it’s contributing to positive changes in research culture, leadership, and personal growth.Key Takeaways🌟 Why They Chose Coaching Harriet, Caterina, and Andreea share their diverse journeys into coaching, from transformative personal experiences to professional development opportunities.🎯 Real Challenges in Academia Common coaching topics include career transitions, confidence, communication skills, navigating uncertainty, and managing change.🧠 Supporting Neurodiversity The guests discuss how coaching can support neurodivergent colleagues by adapting approaches and creating safe, individualised spaces for reflection.🔄 Growth for Coaches Being coaches has transformed how the guests listen, ask questions, and build meaningful relationships — impacting their teaching, leadership, and personal interactions.✨ Transforming Research Culture Coaching is highlighted as a tool for shifting power dynamics, fostering empathy, and nurturing a healthier, more connected academic culture.💡 Client Impact The episode includes anonymised feedback showing how coaching helps people gain clarity, build resilience, and discover new paths forward.🧘‍♀️ Looking After Coaches The discussion also covers coach wellbeing, boundaries, and the critical role of supervision in maintaining ethical, sustainable coach

Shownotes: Further Together (as mentioned by Nick Plant)Further Together Ged Hall: LinkedIn link Ged Hall Ruth Winden: LinkedIn link Ruth Winden

Content note: In this episode we focus on a new project to engage and celebrate postdocs at the University of Leeds: Pathfinder🚩 What Is Pathfinder?Pathfinder isn’t just an email in your inbox – it’s a project built on co-creation. Produced by Ruth Winden (Careers with Research Consultant) and Dr. Susan Donkin (Project Officer) from the Researcher Development and Research Culture Team in (OD deep-dive if you want more.Resource round-up: Quick links to professional development, opportunities, and reminders. Even if you’ve seen them before, with postdoc turnover, a refresher never hurts.Regular themes: Our upcoming issue shines a light on ECR and postdoc representatives – the unsung heroes of academia.📈 Pathfinder By the NumbersWe’re thrilled by the response so far:Almost 1,000 subscribers!~50% open rate (that’s huge in the newsletter world!)People are talking, reading, and starting to contribute!Your feedback helps us improve. Drop us a line anytime—tell us what you love, what you’d change, or what you want to see next.🛠️ Lessons Learned & Tips SharedMeet people where they are: Email works best for our busy postdocs!Relationships matter: Referrals and nudges from the production team and colleagues help fuel participation and build community.Planning is

Content note: In this episode we will explore the practice of coaching in academia, including how we can support leadership, career development and wellbeing. The conversation touches on emotionally sensitive topics such as personal barriers, distress in coaching sessions, and challenges related to job insecurity and academic culture. While these are discussed in a supportive and professional context, we acknowledge that some listeners may find aspects of the discussion personally resonant or emotionally impactful. If the issues raised in this episode concern you, you can access support and resources in the show.🎧 In this episode of ResearchCulture Uncovered, host Dr Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths is joined by her coach trainers, Sian Taylor and Debs Hirst, for part one of a two-part special exploring the role of coaching in academic life. Whether used in leadership, supervision, or career conversations, coaching offers a powerful framework for growth, reflection, and empowerment. This episode breaks down what coaching really is, how it differs from mentoring and counselling, and why it’s gaining traction in universities.Key takeaways:🔍 Defining CoachingDebs and Sian share their personal definitions of coaching and highlight the value of creating reflective space for individuals to explore their goals, challenges, and values.🔄 Coaching vs. Mentoring, Counselling & TrainingThe episode clearly distinguishes between coaching and other forms of support. Coaching is future-focused, non-directive, and based on the belief that individuals already hold their own answers.🧠 Frameworks &ToolsLearn about the GROW model and other practical tools coaches use to guide purposeful, person-centred conversations.🛑 Boundaries & EthicsSian and Debs explain the importance of coaching ethics, including contracting, confidentiality, and recognising when coaching isn’t the right support—especially when emotions surface.🪞 Self-Awareness & Limiting BeliefsThe conversation explores how coaching helps individuals uncover self-limiting beliefs, reflect on values, and shift from feeling stuck to finding clarity and confidence.🎓 Coaching in AcademiaDrawing from their own experiences, including Sian’s background in research, the episode reflects on how coaching could positively shift research culture—especially around power dynamics, uncertainty, and leadership styles.🧩 Want to explore how coaching connects with research impact?Check out our episode with Ged Hall:🎙️ S8E1: Coaching

In our latest episode on the Research Culture Uncovered podcast Ged Hall talks to Dr. Wade Kelly, who has moved between professional staff roles and academic roles a number of times in his career. This episode dives deep into Wade’s career journey, spanning continents and sectors and how he has embraced change and stayed open to new identities and possibilities.Here are the top 3 takeaways:Don’t Close Doors on Yourself: Wade highlights the importance of continually building your skillset—whether in academia or professional roles. Publishing, applying for grants, and engaging with the wider public all keep future pathways open.Balance and Wellbeing Matter: Success isn’t just about outputs and metrics. Wade emphasizes that thriving in academia means finding a balance, setting boundaries, and modelling healthy work habits—not just for yourself, but for those you support and teach.Embrace Non-Linear Careers: The traditional academic path isn’t the only way to make an impact. Wade’s experiences show how diverse roles, lived experience outside academia, and “porous” career stages can enrich research culture and open up new possibilities.You can connect with Wade on LinkedIn and Bluesky.Items mentioned in the episode:The Impactful Academic edited by Dr Wade KellyPint of ScienceNerd NiteExcellence in Research for Australia (ERA)Engagement and Impact Assessment (EIA)Amplifying Research podcastWade's episode with Professor Lisa Given on Amplifying Research.All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com

🎙️ Episode 116: Knowledge, Power, and Partnership – Research Culture Beyond AcademiaGuest: Christine Wilson, Director of Research and Insight at the British CouncilIn this thought-provoking episode of Research Culture Uncovered, Emily Goodall speaks with Christine Wilson about how we can expand our understanding of research culture beyond the academic sphere. Together, they explore the power of curiosity, lived experience, and collaboration across sectors in creating more inclusive, ethical, and impactful research.🔑 Top Takeaways from Christine WilsonValue Knowledge Beyond Academia: Lived experience, practitioner insight, and community wisdom are just as important as academic expertise in shaping meaningful research.Champion Inclusive and Ethical Research: Equity begins with intention—through transparent processes, thoughtful design, and ensuring that benefits flow back to communities and participants.Break Down Silos for Bigger Impact: Connecting universities, NGOs, policymakers, and practitioners fosters deeper collaboration and more sustainable societal change.💡 This episode sheds light on the role of soft power in shaping global knowledge production and highlights how rethinking research culture can support more diverse and impactful collaborations around the world.🔗 Resources and Links MentionedInternational Science Partnerships Fund – British CouncilGoing Global Partnerships – British CouncilOur World Connected Podcast – British Council Scottish Policy and Research Exchange (SPRE)Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH)

Discovering the ins and outs of Research Management and Administration (RMA) can be as exhilarating as it is complex! 🎙️ In this episode of the Research Culture Uncovered podcast, Ged Hall and Simon Kerridge dive deep into the intricacies of RMA and share insights that can reshape the industry. Check out some key takeaways:🔍 Broad Scope of RMA: The profession encompasses everything from pre-award, post-award, research impacts and outputs and integrates various roles like researcher development and technology transfer and a whole range of others.🏆 Career Pathways: The field lacks a universally recognised career framework; however, there is hope through efforts like EU’s RM Roadmap and emerging frameworks that aim to standardise and create clear career paths.🌍 Global Perspectives & Gender Balance: Although regions like Western Europe have more females in RMA roles, there are fewer females at senior levels. In other areas of the world there is a more even split.Understanding those global variations and addressing any gendered barriers to progression is crucial.You can connect with Simon via LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-kerridge-354869/) and Bluesky (@simonkerridge.bsky.social)Links to items mentioned in the episode:The Emerald Handbook of Research Management and Administration Around the World (“The Book”), edited by Simon Kerridge, Susi Poli and Mariko Yang-Yoshihara (free to read online DOI 10.1108/9781803827018)Association of Research Managers and Administrators (ARMA) (UK body)European Association of Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA) (European body)International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS)Research Administration as a Profession (RAAAP) Taskforce: this webpage contains links to the RAAAP surveys. Research Administration as a Profession (RAAAP) Website: is a growing resource with links to RMA projects around the world.Research Administration Professional IDentity Scale (RAPIDS) toolRM Roadmap (European Union funded project)<

Content note: this episode includes discussion of sensitive topics, including depression and suicidal thoughts. While the conversation is not graphic or detailed, these themes are addressed openly. You may wish to skip from 15 to 23 minutes if you'd prefer not to listen to that part of the episode. If the issues raised in this episode concern you, you can access support and resources in the show notes.***What happens when your dream job slips through your fingers? In this episode of Research Culture Uncovered, Dr Taryn Bell and Dr Ged Hall dive into Ged's own story of professional failure.Following our first episode on failure last December, we embark on a deeply personal discussion about how it feels to fail, the emotional fallout from failing, and what helped Ged to get back on his feet.Key takeaways:We can easily become fixated on trying to pinpoint the reasons for failure, rather than trying to manage the feelings that come along with it, and in the long-term this can be harmful.Never underestimate the power of talking to others - whether that's colleagues, loved ones, or trained mental health professionals.Universities are full of opportunities to help – but you need to be aware they’re there, and willing to take them up.Resources and support:HelpGuide's Find Help - a list of international mental health helplines10 Healthy Ways to Cope With FailureAnd don't forget to listen to our December 2024 episode, Navigating Failure in Academia.All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged HallOpen Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on <a href="https:/

In this episode, Host Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths and her co-host Ruth, a Careers with Research consultant at the University of Leeds, delve into the vital topic of making space for researchers to feel valued and heard. Here's what you'll find in this episode:Reflecting on Change: Heledd and Ruth discuss the ongoing shift in research culture that is increasingly giving researchers the opportunity to express themselves and feel acknowledged for more than just their outputs.Personal Experience: Heledd shares insights from her own journey as a researcher and how engagement beyond academic outputs, such as public engagement events, can empower researchers to feel more seen and heard.   Creating Safe Spaces: Ruth emphasises the importance of providing researchers a confidential and non-judgmental environment where they can open up and engage meaningfully. She shares powerful examples from the Career Architect program and how such initiatives impact researchers' confidence and self-awareness. Values in Practice: The hosts talk about implementing values such as collaboration, compassion, integrity and inclusivity at the University of Leeds. These principles are essential in fostering an environment where researchers can voice their thoughts and feel they belong.Encouraging Reflection: The episode highlights strategies for incorporating reflection within research environments. Ruth shares her approach to fostering open discussion and making everyone, especially quieter voices, feel included and heard. The discussions in this episode are a reminder of the importance of time, consideration, and empathy in creating a positive research culture. Whether you're navigating the pressures of academic life or supporting those who do, you'll find valuable insights in this episode.Links, resources, and initiatives mentioned in the episode: Career Architect Programme LeedsUKCGE Research SupervisionRecognition ProgrammeExploring Leadership for Postdocs and Research StaffAll our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: <a h