Past events
View our past events here.
Driving Innovation Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (and beyond)
Facilitators: Nick Bull and Archie Kubba.
This session introduces the Innovation and Business Partnerships team at the University of Sussex and explains how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) connect businesses with academic expertise to create real-world impact. It will also highlight wider opportunities for industry collaboration, research commercialisation, and innovation funding.
Ethnography: Discovery of the Ordinary
Facilitator: Professor Shahaduz Zaman.
This talk explores the principles and methods of ethnography and how close engagement with everyday life reveals deeper social and institutional dynamics. Drawing on examples from global health, it shows how ethnographic approaches uncover insights that challenge assumptions and enrich research and policy.
Beyond Stereotypes: Building Knowledge about Neurodivergent Experience in the Workplace
Facilitators: Seb Shaw, Gemma Williams and Tyler Jones.
This interactive workshop raises awareness of the experiences of neurodivergent colleagues in the workplace. It will explore common challenges, practical ways to create supportive environments, and approaches that help neurodivergent staff thrive.
Becoming an Independent Researcher: Three Useful Perspectives
Facilitators: Professors Sumita Verma, Mel Newport and Dorina Cadar.
In this session, experienced researchers share insights on the transition to becoming an independent researcher. Topics include developing leadership skills, building a research niche, securing funding, and navigating academic expectations.
Impact Elevator Pitch Workshop
Facilitators: Deeptima Massey and Chris Machell.
This interactive workshop gives participants the opportunity to deliver a three-minute elevator pitch about their research impact ambitions. Through discussion and feedback, attendees will refine their ideas, identify key audiences, and explore practical routes to impact.
No Decision About Me Without Me: Patient Involvement in Research
Facilitator: Professor Dame Lesley Fallowfield.
This session explores the importance of meaningful patient and public involvement in research. It will highlight how engaging patients can strengthen research design, relevance, and impact.
Opportunities and Challenges of Doing Research Outside the UK
Facilitators: Fiona Cresswell and Chantelle Rizan.
This session explores the opportunities and challenges of conducting research internationally. Speakers will reflect on their experiences working abroad, including collaboration, access to unique data, and navigating ethical and cultural differences.
Onwards and Upwards: Reframing ‘Failure’ in Research
Facilitator: Natalie James.
Research careers often involve setbacks such as rejected papers, unfunded grants, or unsuccessful experiments. This interactive workshop explores how reframing these experiences can support resilience, innovation, and long-term research success.
Enhancing Research Culture: The Role of Professional Services Staff
Facilitators: Deeptima Massey and Jenni Wilburn.
This workshop explores how Professional Services staff contribute to a positive and productive research culture. It will focus on setting boundaries, supporting wellbeing, and strengthening collaboration and trust across teams.
The Research Radar: How Altmetrics Shape Academic Strategy
Facilitator: Andy Tattersall.
Altmetrics provide a real-time view of how research is shared, discussed, and engaged with beyond traditional citations. This session explores how researchers can use these insights to identify trends, communicate research effectively, and strengthen impact.
Using ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot for Funding Applications
Facilitator: Eric Jensen.
This hands-on workshop explores how AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot can support the preparation of funding applications. Participants will learn practical strategies for improving efficiency, strengthening proposals, and aligning with funder expectations.
How Copyright Protects Your Work and That of Others
Facilitator: Maggie Symes.
This workshop introduces the fundamentals of copyright and the relationship between authors and publishers. It will also cover permissions, Creative Commons licences, and how the University’s policies help authors retain rights to their work.
The Dual Role of Being a Clinician and a Researcher
Facilitator: Martin Llewelyn.
This joint session from UH Sussex Research and Innovation and BSMS explores how clinicians can develop successful research collaborations. Participants will gain insights into building clinical–academic partnerships and navigating common challenges.
How Professional Services Staff Can Nurture a Positive Research Culture
Facilitators: Deeptima Massey and Jenni Wilburn.
This session explores the important role Professional Services staff play in supporting research across the institution. It will provide space to reflect on challenges, share good practice, and consider ways to strengthen research culture through collaborative support.
Co-publishing with Non-Academic Authors
Facilitator: Helen Kara.
This session explores the opportunities and challenges of publishing collaboratively with non-academic authors. It will discuss power dynamics, motivations, and practical strategies for successful co-authorship.
Ethics of Engagement and Impact
This online workshop introduces key principles for ensuring research impact activities are conducted ethically and responsibly. Participants will learn practical strategies to support meaningful, inclusive, and sustainable engagement with research stakeholders.
Get Published: Navigating the Academic Publishing Process
Speaker: Dr Johanna Pruller, PLOS ONE.
This session provides insights into the academic publishing process from manuscript preparation to peer review and publication. It will also offer guidance on choosing appropriate journals and improving submission success.
Hearing Grant Reviewers’ Perspectives
Speakers: Professors Sarah Newbury, Carrie Llewelyn, Mel Newport and Dr Chris Jones.
Experienced grant reviewers share insights into how funding panels assess proposals. The session aims to help researchers understand what reviewers look for and how to strengthen grant applications.
Creating a Strong Social Media Profile as a Researcher
Facilitator: Matt Bemment.
This session explores how researchers can use social media platforms to increase the visibility and impact of their work. It will discuss choosing appropriate platforms, reaching target audiences, and communicating research effectively online.
Building a Research Career – Independent or Inter-dependent?
Speakers: Professors Chris Pepper and Gail Davey, Dr Charlotte Rae and Dr Mahmoud Maina.
This workshop challenges the idea that researchers must work independently to succeed. Instead, it highlights the importance of teamwork, shared expertise, and collaborative leadership in building strong research groups.
Running a National Multisite Clinical Trial: Challenges and Pitfalls
Facilitators: Sumita Verma and Wendy Wood.
This session explores the development and delivery of a national multicentre clinical trial through the example of the REDUCE 2 study. It will highlight the role of the Clinical Trials Unit and key lessons for researchers planning large trials.
Career Options and Pathways for Developing Researchers
This half-day online event explores career pathways within and beyond academia. It includes sessions on skills development, career planning, and insights from professionals working across research and health sectors.
Promises and Pitfalls: AI’s Role in the Future of Research Communication
Facilitator: Andy Tattersall.
This talk explores how AI tools may support research dissemination and communication. It will also highlight potential risks and the importance of using these technologies thoughtfully and strategically.