Research Adjacent

Research adjacent ripples - wrapping up Research Adjacent after 100 episodes (Episode 100)

For the 100th and final episode of Research Adjacent the tables are turned - Sarah McLusky is the guest with Andy Tattersall stepping into the host's chair. Andy asks Sarah about The story behind the podcast - why Sarah started it and why she is ending it What she has learned, about both podcasting and herself, over 100 episodes Memorable moments and the podcast's lasting legacy How Sarah would use her wave of research adjacent magic wand Listen right to the end for farewell messages from Laura Breen, Simon Cutler, Saneeya Qureshi, Orla Kelly and Lorraine Coghill. And the last ever big gold star! Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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What would you change with a magic wand? (Episode 99)

Host Sarah McLusky looks back on how guests chose to use their wave of the Research Adjacent magic wand. Why giving guests a magic wand is a magic question Improving recognition, reward and support for research-adjacent professionals Using the magic wand to promote collaboration, improve equity and inclusion, and sort out systems The one wish that might make everyone else's wishes come true Find all the guests featured in this episode and many more in the podcast archive. Would you like to share a comment which might be included in the final episode? Record a voicenote here https://www.speakpipe.com/researchadjacent or send an email to hello@researchadjacent.com Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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The poster children for squiggly careers (Episode 98)

In this compilation episode of Research Adjacent host Sarah McLusky explores the archive to find common themes in guest career paths including The weird and wonderful career journeys of some podcast guests Why being research-adjacent almost inevitably means a squiggly career Major life moments that trigger career shifts including redundancy, health challenges and finishing a PhD Embracing the resilience and resourcefulness that comes with an unconventional career path Find all the guests featured in this episode and many more in the podcast archive. Would you like to share a comment which might be included in the final episodes? Record a voicenote here https://www.speakpipe.com/researchadjacent or send an email to hello@researchadjacent.com Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

What is 'research-adjacent'? (Episode 97)

In this compilation episode Sarah tries to answer one of the most commonly asked questions about the podcast - what even is 'research-adjacent' anyway? Sarah talks about Why language matters How she defines research-adjacent Who is doing these research-adjacent roles and where do they work? Common skills and challenges for all research-adjacent professionals Find all the guests featured in this episode and many more in the podcast archive https://researchadjacent.com/podcast/ Would you like to share a comment which might be included in the final episode? Record a voicenote here https://www.speakpipe.com/researchadjacent or send an email to hello@researchadjacent.com Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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Big News and Reason to be Cheerful (Episode 96)

As we near 100 episodes, Sarah announces that it's time to step aside and let others take the lead in the research-adjacent careers space. Sarah talks about Why episode 100 will be the last episode of Research Adjacent How the research-adjacent world has evolved over the time the podcast has been running What the future for research professionals might be like, even if things feel tricky right now Would you like to share a comment which might be included in one of the final episodes? Record a voicenote here https://www.speakpipe.com/researchadjacent or send an email to hello@researchadjacent.com Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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We’re all here for the research with the Research Professional Futures team (Episode 95)

Research Professional Futures is a major UK-wide programme focused on improving recognition, opportunities and support for the research professional workforce. For this episode Sarah is joined by the project co-leads – Lorna Wilson (Durham University), Steph Bales (Teesside University), Isabella von Holstein (Kings College London) and Rika Nair (University of Warwick). Sarah and the team talk about The career challenges facing research professionals and why this project is needed Why simply gathering reliable data on UK research professionals is an essential starting point What they are planning and how listeners can get involved How they hope to catalyse change and realise the full potential of the research professional workforce Find out more Find show notes and transcript on the episode webpage Join the Research Professional Futures LinkedIn group and sign up to the mailing list via their website Connect via LinkedIn with Isabella von Holstein, Rika Nair, Lorna Wilson and Steph Bales Listen to related episodes of Research Adjacent including Lorna Wilson’s interview, Anja Roeding talking about why she founded the PRISM Network and the episode recorded at the 2025 International Research Culture Conference which features Rika Nair. About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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So much of what technicians do just doesn’t get noticed with Andrew Cripps

Andrew Cripps is Technical Head of the Small Animal Research Unit at the University of Reading. Andrew has spent his career helping to advance medical science through animal research. Sarah and Andrew talk about All the work technicians do which often goes unnoticed What TV gets wrong about animal research facilities and what it’s really like Building a career in research despite never going to university Why he entered (and won) a research entrepreneurship competition Find out more Find full show notes and transcript on the episode webpage Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Read more about animal research at Reading Learn about how animals are used in research at Understanding Animal Research and the Institute of Animal Technology Read about Andrew’s success at the YES entrepreneurial awards About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

Diversity is complex, but it's not complicated with Jakob Feldtfos Christensen (Episode 93)

Jakob Feldtfos Christensen is a research manager at the Defaktum research centre in Denmark, an independent consultant, host of the Diversity in Research podcast and author of the book Diversity Leadership for Research Managers: A Practical Guide. Sarah and Jakob talk about That diversity isn’t just about staff – it needs to be woven through every part of a research project How research professionals can step up and take the lead on diversity and inclusion Why more data isn’t the answer and can even make things worse The small steps and incremental progress that can lead to big changes over time Find out more Find full show notes and transcript on the episode webpage Connect with Jakob on LinkedIn or via the Diversiunity website Get a copy of Jakob’s book - Diversity Leadership for Research Managers: A Practical Guide Listen to Sarah guesting on Jakob's Diversity in Research podcast About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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If you focus on the process, the product will look after itself with Sarah Campbell, Daksha Patel and Sian Docksey (Episode 92)

This episode explores creative collaborations between artists and researchers with guests Sarah Campbell, Sian Docksey and Daksha Patel. Sarah is Associate Director for Arts and Culture at the University of Exeter. Daksha Patel is a visual artist and Sian Docksey is a writer, comedian and pole-dancer. Sian and Daksha have both collaborated with Exeter researchers through the University’s Creative Fellowships scheme. Sarah, Daksha, Sian and Sarah talk about Why researchers and artists have more in common than you might think The key ingredients for a successful collaboration including time, resources, and freedom How the creative process can hold space for complicated challenges, spark new ideas and have unexpected benefits Find out more Find full show notes, the transcript and examples of Daksha and Sian’s work on the episode webpage Sign up for the free symposium Activating Creativity in UK Universities Find out more about Arts & Culture at the University of Exeter through their website, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook Find out about the University of Exeter Creative Fellowships Connect with Daksha via Instagram and her website Connect with Sian via Instagram, Patreon, Substack, Pole the Other One podcast and her website About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

From Academic to Research-Adjacent with Matt Woodcock (Episode 91)

Matt Woodcock is Research and Impact Support Officer in the School of English at the University of Leeds. Before this Matt was an academic for nearly 20 years, reaching the status of Professor of Medieval and Early Modern Literature. Sarah and Matt talk about Why he sees his career journey as an ongoing process of specializing in the work he really enjoys What it is like to have a 360-degree view of the research process His love of editing and the peer review process which led him first into publishing and then to the ARMA Insights magazine How empathy underpins the work he does with researchers Find out more Find full show notes, the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or via the University of Leeds website About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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If 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 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 About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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Podcasthon 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 more Find out more about Trees for Life and support their work on their website or follow them on LinkedIn or Instagram Visit the Research Adjacent virtual tree grove and donate a tree if you like Read the book ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree Listen to the Wild for Scotland podcast About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

Mobilising 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 care Sarah and Inbal talk about Why the essence and ethics of participatory research are the same, no matter what you call it The magic that can spark when you find the right collaborators How Inbal decided she wanted to work in knowledge translation before she discovered it was an actual job Recognising and drawing on different kinds of expertise to ensure research gets used and makes a difference Find out more Find full show notes, the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage Connect with Inbal on LinkedIn Find out more about the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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Inclusive 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 about Why representation and inclusion in science communication matters Sharing 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 science Navigating funding cuts and the anti-science narrative in current US politics Find out more Visit the episode webpage Connect with Tamara on LinkedIn Find out more about Universal SciCom via their website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pages Sign up for the Universal SciCom newsletter This 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 Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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From 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 roles Escaping university bureaucracy to become an accidental tech entrepreneur Why knowledge exchange and impact work is all about relationships and making a difference Find out more Connect with Sarah Morton via LinkedIn or the Capture Impact website Get Sarah's co-authored book 'How do you know if you’re making a difference?' Read Sarah's highly-cited article on research impact assessment Events Mentioned Getting 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-networking About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

Conferences 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 about Why traditional academic conferences are failing everyone - attendees, presenters, organisers and the wider world Prioritising people, connection and collaboration over PowerPoint and information overload The small changes that can make a big difference How Russell, Sarah and Re:Conference can help reinvent conferences for good Find out more Check out the Re:Conference website Connect with Russell on LinkedIn or visit the Incredible Oceans website Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her newsletter Gathering with Purpose About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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Impact 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 about How supporting impact in a university compares to an independent research institute The power of embedding impact rather than seeing it as the ‘icing on the cake’ Why trust and long-term relationships with researchers are key Practical ways to spark impact including seed funding and cross-disciplinary peer learning Find out more Get the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage Connect with Kirsty on LinkedIn Connect with Sean on LinkedIn Find out more about the Impact Ignite event, the Research Impact Academy and listen to Tamika Heiden’s podcast episode Listen to the Hidden REF podcast episode Thanks to All Parties and Events for recording this episode About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave a voice note Post a review on Podchaser Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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2025 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 2026 Sarah talks about What she does when she isn’t making the podcast Top episodes and notable moments from 2025 Things she said she would do in 2025 vs what she actually did Coming in 2026 – including live events and sponsorship opportunities All the links Sarah mentions Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her events newsletter, Gathering with Purpose Listen to Sarah’s personal playlist of new music in 2025 Check out the Challenges mini-series Top episodes of the year – Policy Director Rosalind Gill and Influencing Others with Orla Kelly and Joanna Royle Hear Sarah’s story on the Papa PhD collaboration episode Live event episodes – at the IRCC25 Conference, Festival of Hidden REF and the Academic Adventures podcast Working with freelancers episode and the Research Adjacent Directory Complete this form to suggest a podcast guest Browse the podcast back catalogue and take the quiz for personalised suggestions Get 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 here Mentioned in this episode: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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Making 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 Institution Katherine 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 about Why The Royal Institution means different things to different people The iconic Christmas Lectures How a phone-in science hotline kick-started her career in science communication Making space for awe and wonder, and why that might help tackle the anti-science narrative Find out more Read the show notes on the Research Adjacent website Connect with Kathrine on LinkedIn or BlueSky Find out more about The Royal Institution and its history Check if you can watch the Christmas Lectures recording livestream near you 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: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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One 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 about Prioritising collaboration over competition and convening creative relational spaces Her journey from museums and ceramics to universities and impact How the impact agenda and REF are shaping research culture and even artistic practice The importance of empathy and intuition in how she works Find out more Connect with Laura on LinkedIn Laura 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 2025 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: Helping you have conversations that move research forwards When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

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