If you can't imagine it, you can't do it with Helen Underhill (Episode 90)
Research Adjacent · Sarah McLusky
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Show Notes
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 about
- What it means to do research for transformation and why it’s a slow process
- Power and politics in global research partnerships and why we still have a long way to go
- Her ‘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 change
Find out more
- Find 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
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Mentioned in this episode:
Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling
What 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 Networking
Come 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