Research Adjacent

Sam Andrews is a marine science writer, research consultant, and director of ocean-focused communications agency Ocean Oculus.Sarah and Sam talk aboutHow a student blog turned into a writing careerThe importance of adapting solutions and messages for different contextsWhy she wants researchers and research communicators to work more closely togetherRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Sam on LinkedIn, X, BlueSky or via her websiteFind out about Sam's communications agency Ocean OculusFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramSuggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formTheme music by Lemon Music Studios from PixabayMentioned 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

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 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

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 aboutHow they took different routes to the same jobFinding satisfaction in uncovering forgotten stories and putting things in orderBalancing access and preservation for archival materialsThe headaches caused by constant digital progressRead the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/susan-shanks-alice-millard-archivists-episode-41Connect with Susan on LinkedInConnect with Alice on LinkedIn or via her websiteFind out about the New Jerusalems projectFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent SubstackSuggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formMentioned 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

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 aboutExploring new ways of sharing scholarly knowledgeThe surprisingly pragmatic reason for her move into academic publishingWhy she feels privileged to be part of the research conversationActivism and launching the journal Porn StudiesHer passion for connecting communities through gardeningRead the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/kath-burton-publishing-professional-episode-40Connect with Kath on LinkedInFind out about all of her projects including community gardening via her Linktr.eeFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formMentioned 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/

Naomi Tyrrell is director of research consultancy business Research Your Way and founder of the Alt Ac Careers Facebook group.Sarah and Naomi talk aboutHow coaching and thinking like a researcher helped her step into self-employmentFinding community on social mediaWhy she values the freedom of freelance lifeThe satisfaction she gets from helping charities and social enterprisesRead the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/naomi-tyrrell-research-consultant-episode-39Connect with Naomi on LinkedIn or visit the Research Your Way websiteJoin the Alt Ac Careers Facebook GroupFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formMentioned 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

Nick Sheppard is an Open Research Advisor at the University of Leeds and UK Wikimedian of the Year 2023.Sarah and Nick talk aboutHow the conversation, and his career, has moved from open access to open researchWhy Wikipedia is a great tool for sharing research and democratising knowledgeThe different challenges for open research in different disciplinesResources for anyone interested in a career in open researchRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Nick on LinkedIn, X or WikipediaRead Nick's pet Wikipedia page about abolitionist Wilson ArmisteadListen to Nick's favourite episode of the Research Culture Uncovered PodcastFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Suggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

Sam Steele is Managing Director of the Centre for Creativity Enabled by AI at Bayes Business School. Sarah and Sam talk aboutSam's meandering career from music journalist to research adjacentWhy embracing our human weirdness is key to using AI effectivelyDifferences between the worlds of music, catering, and academiaThe importance of encouraging creativity in schoolsRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Sam on LinkedInHave a play with the Centre for Creativity Enabled by AI's free AI creativity tools Business Sparks and Design SparksFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent SubstackSuggest guests or topics for the podcast on this formTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

Sarah is a Researcher Developer at University of Manchester and an independent Careers Consultant.Sarah and Sarah talk aboutthe 'planned happenstance' that took her from microbiology to careerswhy every day is a learning day and how that has boosted her careerhow her own journey helps her support researchers struggling to make a career changeRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Sarah on LinkedInFind out more about the University of Manchester's Researcher Development serviceFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

John Elvin is Industry Programme Manager at The Royal Society. He helps facilitate collaboration and innovation via schemes like Entrepreneur in Residence, Industry Fellowships and Partnership Grants.Sarah and John talk aboutHis career in the biotech industryThe mechanical balance that led to an outreach project for 3500 childrenHow much industry contributes to research and developmentWhy every undergraduate student should do an industry placementRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with John on LinkedIn to find out about an event his team are running in Liverpool on 14 FebruaryFind out about some of the schemes John's team run including Entrepreneur in Residence, Industry Fellowships and Partnership GrantsFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

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 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

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 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/

Charlotte Stephenson, a Research Facilitator at Leeds University Business School. She demystifies the process of applying for research funding.Sarah and Charlotte talk aboutWhy she tries to be the friendly face of research developmentHow she transferred her research communications skills to grant writingThe work she is doing to uncover and address inequalities in who gets research fundingRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Charlotte on LinkedInDownload 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 proposalFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

For this episode Sarah is talking to entrepreneur turned business development manager Emma Perfect who is currently based at Heriot Watt University.Emma talks aboutHow her career started with glowing fungiThe ups and downs of life in a small businessThe way her current role is feeding her curiosityWhy start-ups need strong business skills as well as a great product ideaRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Emma on LinkedInFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramJoin the Research Adjacent Substack Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

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 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/

Saneeya, Ipshita and Jennifer are making an outstanding contributionRecorded live at the Vitae Researcher Developer Conference in September 2023, Sarah interviews the nominees for the Vitae Outstanding Contribution Award.The guests areSaneeya Qureshi is the Head of Researcher Development and Culture at the University of LiverpoolIpshita Ghosh is Head of Research Strategy and Development, Social Sciences, at the University of BirminghamJennifer Leigh is Reader in Creative Practices for Social Justice, at the University of KentSaneeya, Ipshita and Jennifer talk aboutSquiggly careers and following their curiosityCreating culture changeCollaboration over competitionEquity and inclusionRead the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/saneeya-qureshi-ipshita-ghose-jennifer-leigh-researcher-developers-vitae-award-nominees-episode-29Connect with Saneeya on LinkedIn or TwitterConnect with Ipshita on LinkedInConnect with Jennifer on LinkedIn or TwitterFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletter https://researchadjacent.substack.com/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/

Sarah talks to Hamish McAlpine, Director of Policy and Engagement at innovation consultancy Oxentia. Hamish works with organisations like universities to help them turn research into real world innovations.Hamish talks aboutThe thread of knowledge exchange running through his careerWhy talking about pathways to impact can be less intimidating and more inclusive than commercialisationWhat universities and elephants can have in commonThe importance of good data for making sound decisionsRead the full show notes on the podcast webpage https://sarahmclusky.com/hamish-mcalpine-innovation-consultancy-director-episode-28Connect with Hamish on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamish-mcalpine-a1400417/Complete the podcast surveyFollow 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/subscribeSMcLMentioned 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

Sarah talks to Vicki Aldmington, a Careers Consultant at the University of Reading. Vicki supports students to consider their career options, find jobs, and get work experience.Vicki talks aboutHer meandering career pathHow she draws on her experience to support students and alumniWhy one-to-one consultations can be more satisfying than big projectsWhat being career curious means to her Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Vicki on LinkedInComplete the podcast surveyFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

Sarah talks to Steph Sinclair, Science Communications Manager at Worldwide Cancer Research.Steph's insights include;Transitioning from a university to a charityFeeling more connected to the researchCreative collaborationsMaking things better for women in science Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Steph on Twitter and LinkedInFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

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 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

Lorna Wilson is Director of Research Development and Operations at Durham University, and chair of ARMA. Lorna leads on teams of research development and research developers.Lorna talks aboutHer journey from temp to the topThe added value that research development experts can bringWhy ARMA has been a huge support throughout her career Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Lorna on Twitter or LinkedInFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

Sam uses her own experiences to help improve research involvementFor this episode Sarah is joined by Sam Alexandra Rose, a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Manager at Bowel Research UK.Sam talks aboutWhy patients are the most important people in health researchHer journey from bowel cancer patient to PPI managerBreaking down stigma and 'getting comfortable being uncomfortable' Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Sam on Twitter, Instagram or visit her personal websiteFollow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

Simon Cutler is a Business Relationship Manager at the University of Reading.Simon talks aboutHow he turned from 'poacher to gamekeeper' and back againWhy he loves meeting new people, making connections and sees everyone as a potential friendThe satisfaction he gets from supporting young researchers in particular Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Simon on LinkedInFollow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

Alice Cann is an academic Liaison Librarian at Brunel University London.Alice talks aboutHow academic librarians can make a big difference to researchWhy her role is constantly changing and evolvingThe confidence she gained from being part of the Research Catalyst CohortRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Alice on LinkedIn and Twitter Find out applying to join the Research Catalyst Cohort in 2023/24Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

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 aboutHow his career evolved via documentary-making and public engagementThe satisfaction of creating impactful and boundary-pushing videos and animationsWhy his podcast is all about building community amongst research communicators Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Peter on LinkedInFollow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

For this episode Sarah chats to Ged Hall, research impact specialist at the University of Leeds and one of the hosts of the Research Culture Uncovered podcast.Ged talks aboutBeing a career magpieThe differences between R&D in industry and academiaWhy we all need to be part of the research culture conversation Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Ged on LinkedIn and TwitterListen to the Research Culture Uncovered podcastFollow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

For this week's episode Sarah is joined by Anja Roeding, research manager and founder of the PRISM Network.Anja talks aboutHer 'wiggly, winding path' from research to research-adjacentHow frustration led her to gather up all the other 'odd socks' and create the PRISM NetworkWhy the system needs to better recognise all the people who contribute to co-creating research environmentsRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Anja on LinkedIn and the find out more about the PRISM NetworkFollow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

Sarah's guest for this episode is Edwin Colyer, founder of the research communications and engagement agency, Scientia Scripta.Edwin talks aboutCopyediting for David Attenborough, writing for New Scientist and painting pictures with wordsThe joys of having colleagues and being able to create your own workplace cultureMoving from just telling impact stories to helping create themBuilding a business that connects the dots between communication, engagement and impactRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Edwin on LinkedIn Follow the podcast on LinkedIn, Twitter and InstagramSign up for Research Adjacent Round-Up monthly newsletterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

For this week's episode Sarah is joined by freelance researcher developer and business coach Jenny Brady.Jenny talks aboutThe joy and challenges of being research-adjacent when you were never a researcherThe importance of playfulness and curiosityWhy she wants researchers to show up authentically and connect to the value of their workRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect to Jenny on LinkedIn and TwitterFollow the podcast on LinkedIn and InstagramTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

For this week's episode Sarah is joined by Matthew Partridge, cartoonist and founder of ErrantScience.com.Matthew talks aboutHis journey from biochemistry to research-adjacent cartooningWhy he is motivated to share the realities of life in the labWhy being 'terrible at art' is no barrier to creating cartoonsWhat goes into live cartooning a 24h online chemistry poster sessionRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageVisit the ErrantScience website or connect with Matthew on Discord, Mastadon or InstagramWhat did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacentTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

Boundaries (Episode 14) | Sarah is out of the office, and she means it this time! This week's episode is a holiday special all about boundaries and why it can be so hard for research-adjacent folks to really take time off. Sarah addresses 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 Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and Twitter What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay 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

For this week's episode Sarah is joined by freelance science writer Melissa Hobson who specialises in marine science and conservation.Melissa talks aboutHow learning to scuba dive prompted a career changeWhat it's like to be a science writer without a science backgroundWhy she celebrates getting rejectedHer top tips for success, which include reading and eating cake! Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageVisit Melissa's website or connect on LinkedIn What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacentTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

This week Sarah is talking to science outreach specialist Lorraine Coghill, currently Deputy Director of Science Outreach and Engagement at Durham University.Lorraine talks aboutWhy her work is really about people rather than scienceEncouraging curiosity, creativity and problem solvingWhat can happen when you put young people in chargeTackling the invisibility of public engagement professionals Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Lorraine on LinkedIn What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacentMentioned 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/

Good Work, Precarity and Contracts (Episode 11) | Sarah explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of research-adjacent job contracts This week's Research Adjacent podcast is another solo episode. Host Sarah McLusky explores some common issues around contracts in the research-adjacent sector. Sarah explores What characterises 'good work' Jargon busting - the difference between fixed term, open-ended and fractional contracts Why open-ended isn't always better Toxic practice to watch out for When short contracts might be the right thing for you Making the most of a fixed term contract Read the full show notes on the podcast webpage Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and Twitter What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay 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

This week's guest is Abraham Mamela. Based in Botswana, Abraham is a communications and engagement practitioner currently working at the Alliance for African Partnership.We talk aboutHow Abraham learned the importance of connecting communication and engagementHis time as an intern and engagement fellow at WellcomeCommunicating genome research through comicsWhy the research ecosystem in Africa needs to focus more on engagementRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Abraham on LinkedIn and TwitterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

This week's guest is Orla Kelly, Knowledge Exchange and Innovation (KE&I) Collaboration Manager She is based at University of the West of Scotland but works across all 19 of Scotland's higher education institutions.We talk aboutWhat it means to have an entrepreneurial mindsetHow she moved from academia to industry and backWhy it's the small things that make the biggest differenceWhy KE&I isn't all about the sciencesAnd weighing pigs…honestly!Read the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Orla on LinkedIn and TwitterWhat did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacentTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

This week's podcast guest is Faye Watson, a rising star in the engagement world. Faye has recently joined at the College of Medical and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh as their Public Engagement with Research Manager.We talk aboutHer rapid rise through the public engagement ranksWhy she quit her PhD to become research-adjacentWorking in virus research engagement during COVIDImproving career prospects, sharing power and encouraging creativity in public engagementRead the full show notes on the podcast webpageConnect with Faye on LinkedIn and TwitterTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

For episode 7 of Research Adjacent my guest is (we think) the UK's only full-time university-based Creative Facilitator, Mary Robson. Mary works at the Institute for Medical Humanities at Durham University.We talk aboutWhat creative facilitation is and how it helps in researchCreating meaningful connections between diverse groupsHolding space for different experiences and opinionsChallenging the academic status quoSharing her creative facilitation approachRead the full show notes on the podcast website Find out more about Mary and her work here: Creative Facilitation Unit at the Institute for Medical Humanities, Durham UniversityWhat did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent.Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

Getting a research-adjacent job (Episode 6) | Sarah shares some advice for finding and landing your next (or first) research-adjacent job Short-term contracts and lack of promotion opportunities mean that research-adjacent professionals are often hunting from their next job. While Sarah can't guarantee you'll land that job, she does have some advice to help you improve your chances including: Where to find research-adjacent jobs How to boost your chances of being shortlisted What to expect in interviews What happens next - how to handle ghosting, feedback, and learning for next time Two top tips for improving your chances of landing any job you want Read the full show notes on the podcast website Find out more and sign up for Sarah's Get Shortlisted training on Mon 27 Feb, 5pm Contribute to the Twitter research-adjacent jobs thread here What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent. Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay 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

Duncan Yellowlees, Presentation Skills Trainer (Episode 5) | Duncan talks about telling stories, building confidence and doing things differentlyFor episode 5 of Research Adjacent my guest is freelance presentation skills trainer Duncan Yellowlees. Duncan trains researchers to communicate better, helping them tell stories about their work, connect with different audiences, and collaborate more effectively.We talk aboutwhy building confidence in presenting spills over into all other parts of lifewhy being a researcher is quite like being a freelancerwhy Duncan wants to ban academic posters and hopes to one day see more creative and interactive conferences - maybe even with puppet shows!why he thinks training in communication skills should be a core part of every university qualification Read the full show notes on the podcast website Find out more about Duncan and his work here: Duncan Yellowlees TrainingWhat did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent.Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

For episode 4 of Research Adjacent I chat with Nina Ruddle. Nina leads the Civic Mission Partnership Strategy at Wrexham Glyndwr University.We talk aboutHow growing up in North Wales led to a passion for social and economic regenerationThe importance of showing up with curiosity and humility to build genuine, collaborative relationshipsWhy her deep local knowledge and public sector experience are invaluableWhat it takes to really change things for the betterRead the full show notes on the podcast websiteFind out more about Nina and her work here:What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent.Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

For episode 3 of Research Adjacent I chat with Colin Wilkinson, a public involvement specialist, about the good, bad and ugly of health research involvement.We talk aboutColin's journey from steel chemist to public involvement specialistHis passion for improving science and research through engagement and involvementHis recent contributions towards the Shared Commitment to Public InvolvementAdvice for researchers and research-adjacent professionals looking to improve their collaborationsRead the full show notes on the podcast websiteFind out more about Colin and his work here: Corylus ServicesThe Shared Commitment to Public Involvement is a joint commitment by UK research organisations to bring about changes that will drive up standards in health and social care research.What did you think of this episode? Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent and share your thoughts using #ResearchAdjacent.Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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/

For this episode of Research Adjacent I chat with Kirsty Ross, a public engagement and culture change professional with not one, but currently three jobs at the Universities of St Andrews and Strathclyde!In this episode we talk aboutHow she got into working in public engagementThe challenges of juggling multiple jobs, short term contracts and ADHDProjects she is proud of including Cell Block Science, Quilts for Cancer, using Wikipedia for impact and engagement, and the Fortissat Science Alliance PodcastRead the full show notes on the podcast websiteFollow Kirsty on Twitter @DrKirstyRoss and check out lots of the resources she has created on FigshareFortissat Science Alliance podcastInclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility in Open Knowledge Network (IDEA Network for short)Quilts 4 CancerCell Block Science & Beyond the Walls and Mhairi talking about the project for Falling WallsEXPLORATHONTheme music by Vitaliy Levkin from PixabayMentioned 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

Introduction to Research Adjacent (Episode 1) | Sarah introduces herself, the story behind the podcast, and previews upcoming episodes It's time! Research Adjacent has been brewing for a couple of months now and I'm so excited to share the first episode with you. Most episodes will be an interview with a brilliant research-adjacent professional, but for today it's just me. I share the story behind the podcast including... A bit about my 20+ years as a research adjacent professional (get the full story here) How I came up with the idea for this podcast (more on that in this blog, and this one too) Why I decided to call the podcast, and my entire career, Research Adjacent What to expect including a preview of the next 8 episodes Find all episodes, blog posts, and sign up for notifications at www.researchadjacent.com Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay 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/

Are you ready to hear stories and strategies to help you thrive in a research-adjacent career? Then you're in the right place! Hosted by Sarah McLusky New episodes fortnightly on a Tuesday Fill out the research-adjacent quiz for episode suggestions Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky 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/