Research Adjacent

Sarah McLusky
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Research Adjacent is a podcast that shines a light on everything that goes into making research successful, except the research. I’m talking about public engagement, knowledge exchange, outreach, project management, research communications, publishing, funding, events, training, partnerships, facilitation, and the rest. Too often, all we hear about are the researchers and the research outputs. Well, not here! In the podcast Sarah McLusky talks to amazing research-adjacent professionals about what they do and why it makes a difference. Tune in to find out why we think the research-adjacent space is where the real magic happens.

  1. Inclusive science communication with Tamara Poles (Episode 87)

    FEB 24

    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 mattersSharing science and building community through unconventional formats including the Scirens drag and burlesque show and adults-only ‘Uncensored Science’Helping researchers connect to audiences through their own personal story, not just their scienceNavigating funding cuts and the anti-science narrative in current US politics Find out more Visit the episode webpageConnect with Tamara on LinkedInFind out more about Universal SciCom via their website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pagesSign up for the Universal SciCom newsletterThis episode was first released in February 2026 which was both LGBT+ History Month in the UK, and Black History Month in the USA. About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or InstagramEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking

    35 min
  2. From outrage to embedded: 25 years of impact with Sarah Morton (Episode 86)

    FEB 10

    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 rolesEscaping university bureaucracy to become an accidental tech entrepreneurWhy 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 websiteGet Sarah's co-authored book 'How do you know if you’re making a difference?'Read Sarah's highly-cited article on research impact 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 LinkedInEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com

    41 min
  3. Conferences that put people before PowerPoint with Russell Arnott and Sarah McLusky (Episode 85)

    JAN 27

    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 worldPrioritising people, connection and collaboration over PowerPoint and information overloadThe small changes that can make a big differenceHow Russell, Sarah and Re:Conference can help reinvent conferences for good Find out more Check out the Re:Conference websiteConnect with Russell on LinkedIn or visit the Incredible Oceans websiteConnect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her newsletter Gathering with Purpose About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram Email a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking

    41 min
  4. Impact is for life, not just for REF with Kirsty High and Sean McCaul (recorded live at Impact Ignite 2025) (Episode 84)

    JAN 13

    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 instituteThe power of embedding impact rather than seeing it as the ‘icing on the cake’Why trust and long-term relationships with researchers are keyPractical ways to spark impact including seed funding and cross-disciplinary peer learning Find out more Get the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpageConnect with Kirsty on LinkedInConnect with Sean on LinkedInFind out more about the Impact Ignite event, the Research Impact Academy and listen to Tamika Heiden’s podcast episodeListen to the Hidden REF podcast episodeThanks to All Parties and Events for recording this episode About Research Adjacent Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or InstagramEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Mentioned in this episode: Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking

    51 min

  5. 12/16/2025

    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 podcastTop episodes and notable moments from 2025Things she said she would do in 2025 vs what she actually didComing in 2026 – including live events and sponsorship opportunities All the links Sarah mentions Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her events newsletter, Gathering with PurposeListen to Sarah’s personal playlist of new music in 2025Check out the Challenges mini-seriesTop episodes of the year – Policy Director Rosalind Gill and Influencing Others with Orla Kelly and Joanna RoyleHear Sarah’s story on the Papa PhD collaboration episodeLive event episodes – at the IRCC25 Conference, Festival of Hidden REF and the Academic Adventures podcastWorking with freelancers episode and the Research Adjacent DirectoryComplete this form to suggest a podcast guestBrowse the podcast back catalogue and take the quiz for personalised suggestionsGet in touch if you are interested in sponsoring or advertising on the podcast Did you know Sarah donates a tree for every episode published? This year we have planted 24 trees with rewilding charity Trees for Life. Visit the Research Adjacent virtual grove here Mentioned in this episode: Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com

    26 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    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 peopleThe iconic Christmas LecturesHow a phone-in science hotline kick-started her career in science communicationMaking space for awe and wonder, and why that might help tackle the anti-science narrative Find out more Read the show notes on the Research Adjacent websiteConnect with Kathrine on LinkedIn or BlueSkyFind out more about The Royal Institution and its historyCheck if you can watch the Christmas Lectures recording livestream near you About Research Adjacent Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice message Mentioned in this episode: Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking

    37 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    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 spacesHer journey from museums and ceramics to universities and impactHow the impact agenda and REF are shaping research culture and even artistic practiceThe importance of empathy and intuition in how she works Find out more Connect with Laura on LinkedInLaura is leading on Engaged Research at the University of Manchester - you can see what this looks like via some case studies and videos on participatory research. The University of Manchester has also just released their strategy for 2025-35 which includes research impact as one of it's 5 main themes.Find out more about the Impact Ignite Conference that Laura is speaking at in late November 2025 About Research Adjacent Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice message Mentioned in this episode: Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com

    32 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    Recognising hidden roles in research with Hidden REF (Episode 80)

    Sarah reports from the Festival of Hidden REF held in Birmingham on 8 October 2025. This episode features contributions from organisers, speakers and participants including Hidden REF committee members Simon Hettrick and James Baker sharing the story behind the eventPrevious Hidden REF competition winners Laura Henderson and Lorraine van Blerk highlighting hidden roles in researchSpeaker Elisa Collado and participants Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray and Nick Sheppard sharing their takeaways and what still might be missing from the conversation Find out more Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast websiteConnect with guests Simon Hettrick, James Baker, Laura Henderson, Lorraine van Blerk, Elisa Collado, Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray or Nick SheppardFind out more about Hidden REF on their website or follow them on LinkedIn. You can find the list of hidden roles that Simon mentions here.Listen to the What the REF?! podcast About Research Adjacent Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSkyFill out the research-adjacent careers quizSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterEmail a comment, question or suggestionLeave Sarah a voice message Mentioned in this episode: Come along to our Manchester networking event Join host Sarah McLusky and fellow research-adjacent professionals on Thursday 12 March 2026 at 5.30pm. Find out more and register here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/manchester-research-adjacent-community-networking Member of the Month: Duncan Yellowlees, DY Training Let’s put rubbish presentations in the bin – where they belong. Get in touch with Duncan for specialist research presentation skills training www.duncanyellowlees.com

    30 min
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About

Research Adjacent is a podcast that shines a light on everything that goes into making research successful, except the research. I’m talking about public engagement, knowledge exchange, outreach, project management, research communications, publishing, funding, events, training, partnerships, facilitation, and the rest. Too often, all we hear about are the researchers and the research outputs. Well, not here! In the podcast Sarah McLusky talks to amazing research-adjacent professionals about what they do and why it makes a difference. Tune in to find out why we think the research-adjacent space is where the real magic happens.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah McLusky
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023-25
  • Show Website
    Research Adjacent