Show overview
Research Adjacent has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 94 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 50 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 28 min and 37 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 3 days ago, with 9 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2023, with 34 episodes published. Published by Sarah McLusky.
From the publisher
Research Adjacent is a podcast that shines a light on everything that goes into making research successful, except the research. I’m talking about public engagement, knowledge exchange, outreach, project management, research communications, publishing, funding, events, training, partnerships, facilitation, and the rest. Too often, all we hear about are the researchers and the research outputs. Well, not here! In the podcast Sarah McLusky talks to amazing research-adjacent professionals about what they do and why it makes a difference. Tune in to find out why we think the research-adjacent space is where the real magic happens.
Latest Episodes
View all 94 episodesIf you focus on the process, the product will look after itself with Sarah Campbell, Daksha Patel and Sian Docksey (Episode 92)
From Academic to Research-Adjacent with Matt Woodcock (Episode 91)
Ep 90If you can't imagine it, you can't do it with Helen Underhill (Episode 90)
Helen Underhill is the manager of the Research for Transformation Lab at the University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute. She is also an independent researcher working on a variety of social justice and international projects from fire safety in refugee camps to young people and museums.Sarah and Helen talk aboutWhat it means to do research for transformation and why it’s a slow processPower and politics in global research partnerships and why we still have a long way to goHer ‘portfolio’ career which meandered through computer programming, adventure travel and school teaching before landing in social justice research How she fell in love with the idea that knowledge can be a pathway to creating changeFind out moreFind full show notes, the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage Connect with Helen on LinkedIn Find out more about the Research for Transformation Lab and Global Development Institute at the University of Manchester About Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 89Podcasthon 2026 Special: Rewilding Scotland with every episode (Episode 89)
This special bonus episode is part of Podcasthon 2026 which asks hosts to dedicate an episode to a charity of their choice. This episode is dedicated to Scottish rewilding charity Trees for Life who I have been supporting through this podcast since 2024. Listen in to hear why, back in 2024 I decided to donate 1% of my business income to charity and how that led to me deciding to plant a tree for every podcast episode released. You'll also hear about why I chose to do this through Trees for Life and the amazing work they do to support nature, create jobs and support rural communities.Find out moreFind out more about Trees for Life and support their work on their website or follow them on LinkedIn or InstagramVisit the Research Adjacent virtual tree grove and donate a tree if you likeRead the book ‘Wilding’ by Isabella TreeListen to the Wild for Scotland podcastAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 88Mobilising knowledge for tangible benefits with Inbal Itzhak (Episode 88)
Inbal Itzhak is a Senior Knowledge Mobilisation Specialist at the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration and Aging. She translates research into accessible insights which improve brain health and careSarah and Inbal talk aboutWhy the essence and ethics of participatory research are the same, no matter what you call itThe magic that can spark when you find the right collaboratorsHow Inbal decided she wanted to work in knowledge translation before she discovered it was an actual jobRecognising and drawing on different kinds of expertise to ensure research gets used and makes a differenceFind out moreFind full show notes, the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpageConnect with Inbal on LinkedInFind out more about the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in AgingAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedInEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 87Inclusive science communication with Tamara Poles (Episode 87)
Tamara Poles is the founder and CEO of Universal SciCom based in North Carolina, USA, and working remotely across the world.Sarah and Tamara talk aboutWhy representation and inclusion in science communication mattersSharing science and building community through unconventional formats including the Scirens drag and burlesque show and adults-only ‘Uncensored Science’Helping researchers connect to audiences through their own personal story, not just their scienceNavigating funding cuts and the anti-science narrative in current US politicsFind out moreVisit the episode webpageConnect with Tamara on LinkedInFind out more about Universal SciCom via their website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pagesSign up for the Universal SciCom newsletterThis episode was first released in February 2026 which was both LGBT+ History Month in the UK, and Black History Month in the USA.About Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or InstagramEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 86From outrage to embedded: 25 years of impact with Sarah Morton (Episode 86)
Sarah Morton is an impact consultant, currently of Capture Impact but previously of Matter of Focus, and the self-confessed ‘granny of impact’Leading the way in impact and knowledge exchange (before they were even a thing)Falling through the cracks between research and administrative rolesEscaping university bureaucracy to become an accidental tech entrepreneurWhy knowledge exchange and impact work is all about relationships and making a differenceFind out moreConnect with Sarah Morton via LinkedIn or the Capture Impact websiteGet Sarah's co-authored book 'How do you know if you’re making a difference?'Read Sarah's highly-cited article on research impact assessmentEvents MentionedGetting Started as a Research-Adjacent Freelancer (Online) Mon 23 Feb 2026, 4.30pm UK time. Find out more and sign up https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/getting-started-as-a-research-adjacent-freelancer Research Adjacent Community Networking (Manchester) Thu 12 March 2026, 5.30pm UK time. Find out more and sign up https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networkingAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedInEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 85Conferences that put people before PowerPoint with Russell Arnott and Sarah McLusky (Episode 85)
Russell Arnott is an ocean science educator, facilitator and event organiser. Sarah McLusky is a research event consultant, trainer and facilitator. Sarah and Russell are reinventing research conferences to prioritise connection and collaboration through their joint venture Re:Conference.Sarah and Russell talk aboutWhy traditional academic conferences are failing everyone - attendees, presenters, organisers and the wider worldPrioritising people, connection and collaboration over PowerPoint and information overloadThe small changes that can make a big differenceHow Russell, Sarah and Re:Conference can help reinvent conferences for goodFind out moreCheck out the Re:Conference websiteConnect with Russell on LinkedIn or visit the Incredible Oceans websiteConnect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her newsletter Gathering with PurposeAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram Email a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 84Impact is for life, not just for REF with Kirsty High and Sean McCaul (recorded live at Impact Ignite 2025) (Episode 84)
Kirsty High is Research Impact Manager at the independent research institution, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. Sean McCaul is a faculty impact officer at Ulster University. Both are responsible for overseeing and supporting impact, but with different drivers and priorities.This episode was recorded live at the Impact Ignite 2025 conference, an event dedicated to sharing best practices and sparking new ideas among research impact professionals.Sarah, Kirsty, and Sean talk aboutHow supporting impact in a university compares to an independent research instituteThe power of embedding impact rather than seeing it as the ‘icing on the cake’Why trust and long-term relationships with researchers are keyPractical ways to spark impact including seed funding and cross-disciplinary peer learningFind out moreGet the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpageConnect with Kirsty on LinkedInConnect with Sean on LinkedInFind out more about the Impact Ignite event, the Research Impact Academy and listen to Tamika Heiden’s podcast episodeListen to the Hidden REF podcast episodeThanks to All Parties and Events for recording this episodeAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or InstagramEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 832025 in Research Adjacent Land (Episode 83)
As the Research Adjacent podcast approaches its 3rd birthday, Sarah looks back on the past year and looks forward to 2026Sarah talks aboutWhat she does when she isn’t making the podcastTop episodes and notable moments from 2025Things she said she would do in 2025 vs what she actually didComing in 2026 – including live events and sponsorship opportunities All the links Sarah mentionsConnect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her events newsletter, Gathering with PurposeListen to Sarah’s personal playlist of new music in 2025Check out the Challenges mini-seriesTop episodes of the year – Policy Director Rosalind Gill and Influencing Others with Orla Kelly and Joanna RoyleHear Sarah’s story on the Papa PhD collaboration episodeLive event episodes – at the IRCC25 Conference, Festival of Hidden REF and the Academic Adventures podcastWorking with freelancers episode and the Research Adjacent DirectoryComplete this form to suggest a podcast guestBrowse the podcast back catalogue and take the quiz for personalised suggestionsGet in touch if you are interested in sponsoring or advertising on the podcast Did you know Sarah donates a tree for every episode published? This year we have planted 24 trees with rewilding charity Trees for Life. Visit the Research Adjacent virtual grove hereMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 82Making space for awe and wonder with Katherine Mathieson (Episode 82)
Katherine is championing science communication for its own sake as Director of the historic Royal InstitutionKatherine is the Director of The Royal Institution in London. The Royal Institution is the birthplace of science communication, having been founded in 1799 to 'introduce new technologies and teach science to the general public through lectures and demonstrations'. It is home to the iconic Christmas Lectures which celebrate their 200th year in 2025.Sarah and Katherine talk aboutWhy The Royal Institution means different things to different peopleThe iconic Christmas LecturesHow a phone-in science hotline kick-started her career in science communicationMaking space for awe and wonder, and why that might help tackle the anti-science narrative Find out moreRead the show notes on the Research Adjacent websiteConnect with Kathrine on LinkedIn or BlueSkyFind out more about The Royal Institution and its historyCheck if you can watch the Christmas Lectures recording livestream near you About Research AdjacentWhere are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 81One university thinking with Laura Breen (Episode 81)
Laura is prioritising collaboration over competition to help develop impactful research projects.Laura Breen is Research Development and Impact Manager at the University of Manchester where she helps bring together diverse, multi-partner research teams to tackle big challenges.Sarah and Laura talk aboutPrioritising collaboration over competition and convening creative relational spacesHer journey from museums and ceramics to universities and impactHow the impact agenda and REF are shaping research culture and even artistic practiceThe importance of empathy and intuition in how she worksFind out moreConnect with Laura on LinkedInLaura is leading on Engaged Research at the University of Manchester - you can see what this looks like via some case studies and videos on participatory research. The University of Manchester has also just released their strategy for 2025-35 which includes research impact as one of it's 5 main themes.Find out more about the Impact Ignite Conference that Laura is speaking at in late November 2025About Research AdjacentWhere are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 80Recognising hidden roles in research with Hidden REF (Episode 80)
Sarah reports from the Festival of Hidden REF held in Birmingham on 8 October 2025. This episode features contributions from organisers, speakers and participants includingHidden REF committee members Simon Hettrick and James Baker sharing the story behind the eventPrevious Hidden REF competition winners Laura Henderson and Lorraine van Blerk highlighting hidden roles in researchSpeaker Elisa Collado and participants Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray and Nick Sheppard sharing their takeaways and what still might be missing from the conversationFind out moreRead the full show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with guests Simon Hettrick, James Baker, Laura Henderson, Lorraine van Blerk, Elisa Collado, Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray or Nick SheppardFind out more about Hidden REF on their website or follow them on LinkedIn. You can find the list of hidden roles that Simon mentions here.Listen to the What the REF?! podcastAbout Research AdjacentWhere are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 79A more fun and kind academia with Johanna Stadlbauer (Episode 79)
Johanna is a researcher developer on a mission.Johanna Stadlbauer is Head of the Research Careers Campus at the University of Graz in Austria, offering development and support for early to mid-career researchers.Sarah and Johanna talk aboutWhy she wants to make academia kinder and more fun, and what that looks like in practiceHow being proactive helped her progress from a maternity cover contract to essentially creating her own jobThe anthropology research and activism that underpins her approachThe importance of helping people feel seen, and free pizza!Find out moreRead the full show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with Johanna on LinkedInFind out more about the Research Careers Campus and Post-Doc Office including the Communities of Curiosity Festival in April 2026About Research AdjacentWhere are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 78Working with research-adjacent freelancers (Episode 78)
This episode is a must listen for anyone who hires freelancers to support research projects or who is a freelancer themselves. It is packed with advice for making things run more smoothly – from contracts to cold-hard cash. We are also launching the Research Adjacent Directory listing service. Sarah is joined by fellow freelancers from the Research Adjacent Community including Limor Zwi-Dantsis, Russell Arnott, Sophie Morris, Naomi Tyrrell and Vittoria Danino, to talk about… Why hiring a freelancer can be a great decision Tips for working effectively with research-adjacent freelancers How much excellent specialists actually cost Where to find quality contractors Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Check out the Research Adjacent Directory Find out if the Research Adjacent Community is right for you Read Top 5 reasons to hire an independent research-adjacent professional Read Working effectively with research-adjacent freelancers Read How much do research-adjacent freelancers cost? Connect with Limor Zwi-Dantsis, Russell Arnott, Sophie Morris, Naomi Tyrrell and Vittoria Danino on LinkedIn About Research Adjacent What do you think of this episode? Share a screenshot with your thoughts and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message Mentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 77Hidden labour and research culture: IRCC25 (Episode 77)
Sarah reports from the International Research Culture Conference #IRCC25 which was held at the University of Warwick on 17 September 2025. It features contributions from Rika Nair, Alys Kay and Dolly Coates, as well as excerpts from Sarah's talk on professional development for research enablers. Sarah and her guests talk about Why the recognising the contributions of research-adjacent roles is a key research culture issue Challenges research-adjacent professionals can face when trying to make progress in their careers The System Shuffle game which aims to make the hidden labour in research teams more visible How the language used to describe research-adjacent roles influences how they are perceived Find out more Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Rika Nair, Alys Kay or Dolly Coates on LinkedIn Read Alys's LinkedIn post about the System Shuffle game Find out more about Research Culture Knowledge Exchange, IRCC25 and the work of the National Centre for Research Culture Read the Wellcome report 'What researcher's think about the culture they work in' About Research Adjacent Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message Mentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 76Storytelling for research engagement with Esther Lisk-Carew (Episode 76)
Esther Lisk-Carew is engagement coordinator for a programme called AHEAD (Arts and Humanities Engagement and Dialogue) at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is also a freelance consultant, trustee of Manchester's Portico Library and founder of the Black and Global Majority Cultural Creative Network.Sarah and Esther talk aboutHow she combines a love of storytelling and the arts with a talent for managing events and operationsWhy engagement is often baked into the methods and outputs of arts and humanitiesBuilding a career in the cultural sector (despite a detour into French law)Why academia needs more diverse voices, and high-profile cultural iconsFind out moreRead the show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteFind out about everything Esther is working on via her LinktreeFind AHEAD at MMU on the web, Linktree, LinkedIn and InstagramAbout Research AdjacentWhere are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/
Ep 75Why impact matters more than labels with Tamika Heiden (Episode 75)
Tamika Heiden is the founder and director of impact consultancy Research Impact Academy. Her company works with researchers around the globe and also runs the Research Impact Summit.Sarah and Tamika talk aboutHow her career and business evolved from research to knowledge translation to impactThe language and practice of impact around the worldOvercoming the mindset challenges that came with starting her own businessHow the current funding systems are holding back progressFind out moreRead the show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with Tamika on LinkedInSign up for the Research Impact SummitFind Research Impact Academy on the web, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, BlueSky, YouTube and InstagramAbout Research AdjacentFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSkyEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 74Taking research from bench to bedside with Anji Miller (Episode 74)
Anji Miller is Senior Partner for Academic Engagement at healthcare charity LifeArc. LifeArc help turn great research into real-world healthcare products – from bench to bedside.Sarah and Anji talk aboutTrusting her instincts, even when others didn't understand her career choiceEmbracing opportunities and making the next best moveWhy she is a passionate advocate for mentoring, EDI and STEM initiativesSeeing the impact of her work on patients and the people she has supportedFind out moreRead the show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with Anji on LinkedInFind out about LifeArcAbout Research AdjacentFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSkyEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/ Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1
Ep 73Building relationships to amplify research with Chris Pahlow (Episode 73)
Sarah's guest is impact consultant, Chris Pahlow. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Chris runs the consultancy business Amplifying Research and hosts the podcast of the same name.Sarah and Chris talk aboutBlagging his way into a university teaching position whilst an indie filmmakerWhy impact is really all about relationshipsBeing honest – even when it's not what people want to hearThe often-invisible work of research professional staffFind out moreRead the show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with Chris on LinkedInListen to the Amplifying Research podcastFind out about Chris's business Amplifying ResearchAbout Research AdjacentFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSkyEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice messageMentioned in this episode:Leeds Research Adjacent Community NetworkingCome along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1 Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking FeelingWhat do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/