Research Adjacent

This is a special double episode. First up Sarah meets David Mendes, aka Papa PhD, medical writer/translator and host of the Beyond the Thesis podcast. Then the tables are turned and David interviews Sarah for the Beyond the Thesis podcast. Sarah and David talk about  How networking led to both the career and podcast he has now  The origin story of the Papa PhD podcast Why creating the podcast has helped him feel more confident The emotional and practical challenges of the post-PhD journey Then David and Sarah have a conversation about How Sarah transitioned from research to research-adjacent post-PhD  Advocating for research-adjacent professionals Research-adjacent jobs and where to find them Why PhD graduates who want to become research-adjacent need to reframe both their skills and their expectations    Find out more Read the transcript on the podcast website Connect to David on LinkedIn Visit the Papa PhD podcast website Follow the Papa PhD podcast on Instagram or X Connect to Sarah on LinkedIn   About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

It's the Easter holidays in the UK so this is a behind the scenes update with just Sarah. Sarah talks about  The recent Challenges miniseries Upcoming episodes and future guests, including a special collaboration with Papa PhD The Research Adjacent Community for freelancers and the Research Adjacent Directory What she does when she's not podcasting and her Gathering with Purpose research events newsletter Find out more Read the transcript on the podcast website Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Find out more about the Research Adjacent Community Sign up for Gathering with Purpose, Sarah's research events newsletter   About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Rosalind Gill is Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB).  Sarah and Rosalind talk about  bringing people together to respond to big sector challenges the realities of working in the sometimes-volatile political realm the huge contribution universities make to the UK economy why changing how people think often has more impact than any individual policy   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Rosalind on LinkedIn or X Find out more about NCUB their website  or LinkedIn  or X   About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message     IsGqsQ99nci7ahvx91Ve

This episode is about influencing others at work with Joanna Royle and Orla Kelly. Joanna is a Researcher Development Manager at the University of Glasgow. Orla is Scotland's Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Collaboration Manager based at the University of the West of Scotland. Sarah, Joanna and Orla talk about What the term influence means to them How the need to influence others shows up for research-adjacent professionals Examples of how they have used their influence at work Tips for influencing others, including more senior people Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Orla on LinkedIn Connect to Joanna on LinkedIn or via the University of Glasgow website Visit the University of Glasgow's Research Culture and Researcher Development team blog Listen to Orla's first appearance on Research Adjacent About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

This episode is all about finding and building your community with networking expert Jeni Smith. Sarah and Jeni talk about Why everyone is feeling isolated and craving human connection How self-awareness can help you figure out what kind of community you want Where to look for people like you Ideas for nurturing and growing relationships Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Listen to Jeni's first appearance on Research Adjacent Connect to Jeni on LinkedIn Find networking events on NetworkWhere.com Check out the Research Adjacent Community for freelancers and small business owners About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

This episode is all about navigating change in the research and higher education world. Sarah's guest is Andrew Millar, Head of Web Services at the University of Dundee. Sarah and Andrew talk about Seeing change as an evolution not a revolution Why open communication is essential for anyone managing change The importance of finding a sense of control amid change What changes are coming for higher education in 2025 and beyond Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Andrew's Predictions for 2025 LinkedIn article Download the Career Compass worksheet About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

This episode is all about imposter syndrome and how it shows up for research-adjacent professionals. Sarah's guest Jenny Brady is a coach and facilitator who previously featured in episode 16. Sarah and Jenny talk about Why Imposter moments are part of being human When working with researchers can trigger confidence issues Techniques for managing imposter moments including evidence-based reflection, reframing and focusing on strengths   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn Listen to Jenny's previous appearance on the podcast Download the Career Compass worksheet About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Holly is a PhD Careers Specialist at the University of Birmingham and creator of Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers Blog. Sarah and Holly talk about How a nudge from a friend kick-started her career   The shortage of research-specialist careers advisers Navigating life and work with a disability Why we need better language to define roles in research and higher education Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Holly on LinkedIn or BlueSky Visit Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers Blog About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Rachel is the author of Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services, founder of The Bold Collective, and Senior Admissions Manager at Anglia Ruskin University. Sarah and Rachel talk about Being a positive disruptor in higher education Why HE professional roles are invisible by design The disparities between professional and academic contracts Her wish for HE professionals to speak up and speak out   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn or via her website Read Rachel's book Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services Join one of Rachel's monthly workshops About Research Adjacent Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

For the last episode of 2024, Sarah is looking ahead to 2025 and sharing a sneak peek into what lies ahead. Sarah talks about A preview of upcoming episodes and a special mini-series The new research-adjacent careers quiz and making the podcast back catalogue more accessible Her half-written book on research adjacent careers New workshops and support for research-adjacent professionals Launching the Research Adjacent Community for self-employed folks Find out more Suggest a guest via this form Try out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and now BlueSky See the list of workshops and training Sarah offers Come and join the Research Adjacent Community for freelancers Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Sarah looks back on memorable podcast moments from 2024 Sarah talks about How the second year of the podcast has been different from the first How the podcast has grown and evolved in 2024 What she has learned from Spotify Wrapped (yacht rock anyone?) and other podcast stats Most listened to episodes and memorable moments Episodes and links mentioned Suggest a guest via this form Research Adjacent at 50 celebration episode Most listened to episode of 2024 - Anthony Kavanagh, Patent Attorney Other popular and memorable episodes John Elvin, Industry Programme Manager Naomi Tyrrell, Research Consultant Kath Burton, Publishing Professional Helen White & Danni Elster, Experts by Experience Susan Shanks and Alice Millard, Archivists Sam Steele, Research Centre Managing Director David Wright, Exhibition Curator Helen Riding, NHS Research Manager For my podcast artwork of the year see Networking Expert, Jeni Smith's episode The Academic Adventures podcast Diversity in Research podcast - How being research adjacent can influence diversity in research Research Culture Uncovered (Episode 94) The role of podcasting in research culture and communications Find out what a 'ta-da' list is Find out more Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Helen Riding, NHS Research Manager (Episode 57) Helen is a research manager for the North of England Commissioning Support Unit and coordinator for the Research and Development Forum. Sarah and Helen talk about Being the glue that holds the primary care research world together How she went from graphic designer to research manager (via midwifery) Navigating redundancy and becoming a mature student Why she keeps the patient at the heart of everything she does   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Helen on LinkedIn, X or ResearchGate Find out about the NECS and the Research and Development Forum Read a recent paper on how being research-active improves healthcare About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Jeni Smith is an academic networking expert and founder of NetKno. Sarah and Jeni talk about How she turned her natural ability for connecting people into a career  Why businesses and academics network for different reasons What networking is really about – and it's not what most people think Finally finding the language to describe what she has been seeing in real life for 20 years   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Jeni on LinkedIn Follow NetKno on the web, LinkedIn and Instagram   About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Deb Lancaster leads research-facing teams at Genomics England. Sarah and Deb talk about Why making a difference in the world has motivated her entire career  The impact her teams and the data they manage is having That you never stop learning, or being scared sometimes, even after 30-years in work Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Listen to the Behind the Genes podcast Find out more about Genomics England on their website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

David brings research to life through exhibitions David Wright is an Assistant Curator at Durham University where he creates research-based exhibitions for university-owned galleries. Sarah and David talk about Finding the stories, objects and experiences to hook visitors Why endless hours of people-watching were perfect preparation for being a curator The challenges of building a steady career in the museums sector His vision for more creative and radical exhibitions   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with David via LinkedIn or the Durham University website Explore his online exhibitions including Catch Your Breath, Tunstall and the Tudors and Between Worlds.   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Kasia wants to change academia from the inside Kasia is project manager for the IgG4-TREAT Consortium at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria. She also created the podcast Science on Trial and Error. Sarah and Kasia talk about Her transition from researcher to research manager How her podcast grew out of disillusionment with academia Why stepping away from research has made her feel more hopeful The contribution research-adjacent roles can make to culture change   Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Kasia on LinkedIn Listen to the Science on Trial and Error podcast on LinkedIn, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts Find out more about the IgG4-TREAT Consortium on their website or LinkedIn   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Maria uses her literary skills to communicate medical research Maria Cohut is Feature Editor for the website Medical News Today and host of the In Conversation podcast. Sarah and Maria talk about: Finding good stories and why press releases are still important How she pivoted from English literature to medical journalism Transferable skills and redefining her identity Why we all need to be more open-minded about career paths Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website  Connect with Maria on LinkedIn Read Maria's articles on Medical News Today including Lucid dreaming: Controlling the stories of sleep and The science behind lucid dreaming Listen to the In Conversation podcast About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Ally is building partnerships across the life sciences research community Ally Hughes is Project Manager for the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance, also known as SULSA. SULSA fosters research collaborations between different organisations, different disciplines and even different countries. Sarah and Ally talk about: Her current role which keeps her connected to research with lots of variety and learning opportunities Brokering research collaborations between Scotland and Germany and tackling diversity in STEM How an industrial placement and being a student rep for SULSA opened her eyes to the job possibilities beyond academia Mental health challenges, especially during her PhD, and the professional and personal support that pulled her through Why greater cooperation and collaboration are key to tackling massive global challenges Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website  Connect with Ally on LinkedIn Find out about SULSA on their website, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Sarah is on holiday so we are revisiting an episode from April 2023 all about boundaries and work-life balance.  Sarah talks about Why setting and holding boundaries can be particularly challenging in the research-adjacent world Setting boundaries and taking leave as a form of quiet activism Managing expectations and managing our own behaviour Why we are all, always, a work in progress Find out more Read the original show notes Follow the podcast on LinkedIn  Send Sarah an email Leave Sarah a voice message

Sarah looks back on the first 50 episodes of Research Adjacent. Sarah invites a number of past guests to reflect on what being part of the podcast has mean to them. This includes Connecting with new people Self-reflection Embracing the term research-adjacent Boosting confidence Feeling like part of a community Giving something back What has Research Adjacent meant to you? Please let Sarah know! Comment on LinkedIn Send an email Leave a voice message Catch up on the guests featured in this episode Kirsty Ross, Public Engagement Professional (Episode 2) Orla Kelly, Knowledge Exchange Manager (Episode 9)  Lorraine Coghill, Science Outreach Specialist (Episode 12) Jenny Brady, Coach & Facilitator (Episode 16) Ged Hall, Research Impact Specialist (Episode 19) Peter Barker, Audiovisual Content Creator (Episode 20) Alice Cann, Research Librarian (Episode 21) Simon Cutler, Business Relationship Manager (Episode 22) Steph Sinclair, Science Communications Manager (Episode 26) Saneeya Qureshi, Ipshita Ghose & Jennifer Leigh, Researcher Developers & Vitae Award Nominees (Episode 29) John Elvin, Industry Programme Manager (Episode 35) Sam Andrews, Consultant/Communicator (Episode 43) Claire Toogood, Research & Insights Manager (Episode 45)  The Academic Adventures podcast Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Katrina is helping researchers inspire and educate the next generation Katrina is Head of Tutor Engagement at The Brilliant Club, a charity which places PhD students in schools to support less advantaged pupils. Sarah and Katrina talk about Why teaching research to school pupils is amazing for skills development How the instability of early career academia led her to a research-adjacent path The Brilliant Club's mission to tackle inequality through education Embracing the responsibilities of being a people manager  Find out more Read the full show notes on the podcast website  Connect with Katrina on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) Find out about The Brilliant Club on their website, LinkedIn or X/Twitter    About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message

Helen and Danni are using their experiences to help improve womb cancer research. Helen and Danni are both volunteers for the Peaches Womb Cancer Trust Patient Voices group. Sarah, Helen and Danni talk about How the group grew from one voice to Patient Voices The difference they have made to research especially around language and ethics Why contributing to research can help bring meaning and comfort following a cancer diagnosis What research teams could be doing to work more effectively with patients   Find out more Read the full show notes on the podcast website  Connect with Helen via LinkedIn or email Find out about Peaches Trust and Peaches Trust Patient Voices   Contribute to the 50th Episode by 30 July 2024 Leave a voice message via SpeakPipe   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message   Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Christian unites industry and academia to tackle big health challenges Christian is the founder and Managing Director of the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg, Germany. Sarah and Christian talk about Why he jumped straight into entrepreneurship after his PhD The biggest lessons he's learned from multiple ventures His current role as a ‘guardian of time' The importance of mentors and mentoring   Find out more Read the full show notes and get the transcript on the podcast webpage  Connect with Christian on LinkedIn Find out about the BioMed X Institute If you enjoyed this episode you might also like the Academic Adventures podcast   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message   Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Jade is bridging the gap between science and marketing Jade is Senior Science and Health Press Officer at The Brain Tumour Charity. Sarah and Jade talk about How a chemistry teacher crushed her dreams of becoming a vet Transferable skills and learning on the job Prioritising human connection over science Why good research communication is essential for charities that rely on donations and fundraising   Find out more Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast webpage  Connect with Jade on Twitter or LinkedIn Find out about The Brain Tumour Charity   About Research Adjacent Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up to the podcast newsletter Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Email Sarah with a comment or question Record a voice message for Sarah Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Claire Toogood, Research & Insights Manager (Episode 45) Claire is developing HE careers advisors and careers advice through research Claire Toogood is Research & Insights Manager for AGCAS, the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services. Sarah and Claire talk about  Why research is valuable currency in universities  Her squiggly career journey through both research and research-adjacent worlds Thriving in varied roles and small organisations Why everyone needs more time to think Find out more Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage  Connect with Claire on LinkedIn Find out more about Claire's case study training on 3 July 2024   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Anthony helps researchers profit from their intellectual property Anthony Kavanagh is currently Senior Patent Counsel at Key Patent Innovations Ltd in Dublin, Ireland. Sarah and Anthony talk about  Why patents are important for anyone developing new technologies – including researcher His transition from medical physics to patent law Getting through the famously hard patent attorney exams Why he got slightly obsessed with medical staplers Find out more Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage  Connect with Anthony via his company profile or LinkedIn   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Sam is helping researchers tell stories which create change Sam Andrews is a marine science writer, research consultant, and director of ocean-focused communications agency Ocean Oculus. Sarah and Sam talk about  How a student blog turned into a writing career The importance of adapting solutions and messages for different contexts Why she wants researchers and research communicators to work more closely together Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sam on LinkedIn, X, BlueSky or via her website Find out about Sam's communications agency Ocean Oculus   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

Updates, guests and podcast recommendations with Sarah Sarah shares An update on where you can listen to and follow Research Adjacent Upcoming guest appearance, special episodes and Sarah's new project Your opportunity to suggest podcast guests via this form A podcast recommendation – check out The Academic Adventures Podcast What else she is up to Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Lemon Music Studios on Pixabay

Susan and Alice are cataloguing the past for the researchers of the future Susan Shanks and Alice Millard are archivists working on the New Jerusalems new towns archive project. Susan is based at County Durham Records Office while Alice is based at West Sussex record Office. Sarah, Alice and Susan talk about How they took different routes to the same job Finding satisfaction in uncovering forgotten stories and putting things in order Balancing access and preservation for archival materials The headaches caused by constant digital progress Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/susan-shanks-alice-millard-archivists-episode-41   Connect with Susan on LinkedIn Connect with Alice on LinkedIn or via her website Find out about the New Jerusalems project Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form

Kath is growing connections in humanities publishing Kath Burton works in humanities development at the academic publisher Routledge Taylor and Francis. She is also a community gardening enthusiast with Incredible Edible Reading. Sarah and Kath talk about  Exploring new ways of sharing scholarly knowledge The surprisingly pragmatic reason for her move into academic publishing Why she feels privileged to be part of the research conversation Activism and launching the journal Porn Studies Her passion for connecting communities through gardening  Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/kath-burton-publishing-professional-episode-40 Connect with Kath on LinkedIn Find out about all of her projects including community gardening via her Linktr.ee Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form

Naomi has found freedom and fulfilment in an Alt Ac career Naomi Tyrrell is director of research consultancy business Research Your Way and founder of the Alt Ac Careers Facebook group. Sarah and Naomi talk about  How coaching and thinking like a researcher helped her step into self-employment Finding community on social media Why she values the freedom of freelance life The satisfaction she gets from helping charities and social enterprises Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/naomi-tyrrell-research-consultant-episode-39 Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn or visit the Research Your Way website Join the Alt Ac Careers Facebook Group Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form

Nick Sheppard is an Open Research Advisor at the University of Leeds and UK Wikimedian of the Year 2023. Sarah and Nick talk about How the conversation, and his career, has moved from open access to open research Why Wikipedia is a great tool for sharing research and democratising knowledge The different challenges for open research in different disciplines Resources for anyone interested in a career in open research    Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Nick on LinkedIn, X or Wikipedia Read Nick's pet Wikipedia page about abolitionist Wilson Armistead Listen to Nick's favourite episode of the Research Culture Uncovered Podcast   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Sam is at the cutting edge of the cultural conversation. Sam Steele is Managing Director of the Centre for Creativity Enabled by AI at Bayes Business School. Sarah and Sam talk about Sam's meandering career from music journalist to research adjacent Why embracing our human weirdness is key to using AI effectively Differences between the worlds of music, catering, and academia The importance of encouraging creativity in schools Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sam on LinkedIn Have a play with the Centre for Creativity Enabled by AI's free AI creativity tools Business Sparks and Design Sparks   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this form Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Sarah is helping researchers reimagine their future Sarah is a Researcher Developer at University of Manchester and an independent Careers Consultant. Sarah and Sarah talk about the 'planned happenstance' that took her from microbiology to careers why every day is a learning day and how that has boosted her career how her own journey helps her support researchers struggling to make a career change Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Find out more about the University of Manchester's Researcher Development service   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

John is advocating for applied science John Elvin is Industry Programme Manager at The Royal Society. Sarah and John talk about  His career in the biotech industry The mechanical balance that led to an outreach project for 3500 children How much industry contributes to research and development Why every undergraduate student should do an industry placement  Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with John on LinkedIn to find out about an event his team are running in Liverpool on 14 February Find out about some of the schemes John's team run including Entrepreneur in Residence, Industry Fellowships and Partnership Grants     Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Happy New Year! In this solo episode Sarah invites you to start the year by looking back before you look forwards. Sarah talks about Why, controversially, she likes New Year more than Christmas How to write a 'ta-da' list rather than a to-do list Why taking time to reflect on what felt good in 2023 can help you follow through on your goals for 2024 If you have feedback, questions or topics you'd like the podcast to cover, or suggestions for guests please submit them here. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

The Research Adjacent podcast is one year old! In this episode Sarah reflects on 2023 talking about Why she started the podcast How the podcast has grown over the year What it has been like to step into the role of podcast host Reactions to the term 'research-adjacent' Her most memorable moments If you have feedback, questions or topics you'd like the podcast to cover, or suggestions for guests please submit them here. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Charlotte is a 'human signpost' for researchers Sarah's guest for this episode is Charlotte Stephenson, a Research Facilitator at Leeds University Business School. Sarah and Charlotte talk about  Why she tries to be the friendly face of research development How she transferred her research communications skills to grant writing The work she is doing to uncover and address inequalities in who gets research funding Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn Download the funding proposal roadmap that Charlotte and her team developed From ideas to action: Leeds University Business School's roadmap for developing a research funding proposal   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

For this episode Sarah is talking to entrepreneur turned business development manager Emma Perfect. Emma talks about  How her career started with glowing fungi  The ups and downs of life in a small business The way her current role is feeding her curiosity Why start-ups need strong business skills as well as a great product idea Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Emma on LinkedIn Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Sarah offers a framework for thinking about and building resilience Sarah talks about What resilience means to her The inevitability of change Why resilience is such a key skill in research environments How to strengthen resilience by building skills, drawing on practical tools and managing our mindset Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn Listen to Lorna Wilson speaking on this podcast and on the Nature Careers podcast Listen to the Boundaries podcast episode Listen to Brene Brown talking about FFTs Check out the Rebel Finance School on YouTube Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Join the Research Adjacent Substack   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Saneeya, Ipshita and Jennifer are making an outstanding contribution Recorded live at the Vitae Researcher Developer Conference in September 2023, Sarah interviews the nominees for the Vitae Outstanding Contribution Award. The guests are Saneeya Qureshi is the Head of Researcher Development and Culture at the University of Liverpool Ipshita Ghosh is Head of Research Strategy and Development, Social Sciences, at the University of Birmingham Jennifer Leigh is Reader in Creative Practices for Social Justice, at the University of Kent Saneeya, Ipshita and Jennifer talk about  Squiggly careers and following their curiosity Creating culture change Collaboration over competition Equity and inclusion Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/saneeya-qureshi-ipshita-ghose-jennifer-leigh-researcher-developers-vitae-award-nominees-episode-29  Connect with Saneeya on LinkedIn or Twitter Connect with Ipshita on LinkedIn Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn or Twitter Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter https://researchadjacent.substack.com/ 

Hamish is facilitating ‘impact at scale' Sarah talks to Hamish McAlpine, Director of Policy and Engagement at innovation consultancy Oxentia. Hamish talks about The thread of knowledge exchange running through his career Why talking about pathways to impact can be less intimidating and more inclusive than commercialisation What universities and elephants can have in common The importance of good data for making sound decisions Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/hamish-mcalpine-innovation-consultancy-director-episode-28  Connect with Hamish on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-mcalpine-a1400417/  Complete the podcast survey  Follow the podcast on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/resadjacent/ or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/resadjacent/  Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter https://subscribepage.io/subscribeSMcL 

Vicki wants us to be more career curious. Sarah talks to Vicki Aldmington, a Careers Consultant at the University of Reading. Vicki talks about Her meandering career path How she draws on her experience to support students and alumni Why one-to-one consultations can be more satisfying than big projects What being career curious means to her Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Vicki on LinkedIn   Complete the podcast survey Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Steph is sharing research to help tackle cancer. Sarah talks to Steph Sinclair, Science Communications Manager at Worldwide Cancer Research.  Steph's insights include; Transitioning from a university to a charity Feeling more connected to the research Creative collaborations Making things better for women in science Complete the podcast survey Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Steph on Twitter and LinkedIn   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Sarah reflects on what she has learned about being research-adjacent This is a solo episode with Sarah McLusky discussing some of her key takeaways so far, including these nuggets... No-one has a straightforward career path Opportunities can come from unexpected places Being research-adjacent is all about people and transferable skills Having a research background can be helpful, but it's definitely not essential Complete the podcast survey Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Lorna is leading research development and research developers For this episode Sarah is talking to Lorna Wilson, Director of Research Development and Operations at Durham University, and chair of ARMA. Lorna talks about Her journey from temp to the top The added value that research development experts can bring   Why ARMA has been a huge support throughout her career Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Lorna on Twitter or LinkedIn   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Sam uses her own experiences to help improve research involvement For this episode Sarah is joined by Sam Alexandra Rose, a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Manager at Bowel Research UK. Sam talks about Why patients are the most important people in health research Her journey from bowel cancer patient to PPI manager Breaking down stigma and ‘getting comfortable being uncomfortable' Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sam on Twitter, Instagram or visit her personal website   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Simon is making friends and sparking opportunities Sarah is joined by Simon Cutler, a Business Relationship Manager at the University of Reading. Simon talks about How he turned from 'poacher to gamekeeper' and back again Why he loves meeting new people, making connections and sees everyone as a potential friend The satisfaction he gets from supporting young researchers in particular Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect to Simon on LinkedIn   Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Alice is helping find the right resources to enable research For this week's episode Sarah is joined by Alice Cann an academic Liaison Librarian at Brunel University London. Alice talks about How academic librarians can make a big difference to research Why her role is constantly changing and evolving The confidence she gained from being part of the Research Catalyst Cohort Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect to Alice on LinkedIn and Twitter Find out applying to join the Research Catalyst Cohort in 2023/24 Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Peter is boosting research impact through creative communication. For this week's episode Sarah is joined by Peter Barker, audiovisual content creator, founder of Orinoco Communications, and host of the Research Comms podcast. Peter talks about How his career evolved via documentary-making and public engagement The satisfaction of creating impactful and boundary-pushing videos and animations Why his podcast is all about building community amongst research communicators Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect to Peter on LinkedIn Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Ged wants to shape the future of research impact culture For this episode Sarah chats to research impact specialist Ged Hall. Ged talks about Being a career magpie The differences between R&D in industry and academia Why we all need to be part of the research culture conversation Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect to Ged on LinkedIn and Twitter Listen to the Research Culture Uncovered podcast Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram Sign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter   Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay