Research Adjacent – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

1. How supporting impact in a university compares to an independent research institute
2. The power of embedding impact rather than seeing it as the ‘icing on the cake’
3. Why trust and long-term relationships with researchers are key
4. Practical ways to spark impact including seed funding and cross-disciplinary peer learning

Find out more

1. Get the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage
2. Connect with Kirsty on LinkedIn
3. Connect with Sean on LinkedIn
4. Find out more about the Impact Ignite event, the Research Impact Academy and listen to Tamika Heiden’s podcast episode
5. Listen to the Hidden REF podcast episode
6. Thanks to All Parties and Events for recording this episode

About Research Adjacent

1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn or Instagram
2. Email a comment, question or suggestion
3. Leave a voice note
4. Post a review on Podchaser
5. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter

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

As the Research Adjacent podcast approaches its 3rd birthday, Sarah looks back on the past year and looks forward to 2026

Sarah talks about

1. What she does when she isn’t making the podcast
2. Top episodes and notable moments from 2025
3. Things she said she would do in 2025 vs what she actually did
4. Coming in 2026 – including live events and sponsorship opportunities

All the links Sarah mentions

1. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her events newsletter, Gathering with Purpose
2. Listen to Sarah’s personal playlist of new music in 2025
3. Check out the Challenges mini-series
4. Top episodes of the year – Policy Director Rosalind Gill and Influencing Others with Orla Kelly and Joanna Royle
5. Hear Sarah’s story on the Papa PhD collaboration episode
6. Live event episodes – at the IRCC25 Conference, Festival of Hidden REF and the Academic Adventures podcast
7. Working with freelancers episode and the Research Adjacent Directory
8. Complete this form to suggest a podcast guest
9. Browse the podcast back catalogue and take the quiz for personalised suggestions
10. 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:

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

Anji Miller is Senior Partner for Academic Engagement at healthcare charity LifeArc. LifeArc help turn great research into real-world healthcare products – from bench to bedside.

Sarah and Anji talk about

1. Trusting her instincts, even when others didn't understand her career choice
2. Embracing opportunities and making the next best move
3. Why she is a passionate advocate for mentoring, EDI and STEM initiatives
4. Seeing the impact of her work on patients and the people she has supported

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect with Anji on LinkedIn
3. Find out about LifeArc

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

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

Sarah's guest is impact consultant, Chris Pahlow. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Chris runs the consultancy business Amplifying Research and hosts the podcast of the same name.

Sarah and Chris talk about

1. Blagging his way into a university teaching position whilst an indie filmmaker
2. Why impact is really all about relationships
3. Being honest – even when it's not what people want to hear
4. The often-invisible work of research professional staff

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn
3. Listen to the Amplifying Research podcast
4. Find out about Chris's business Amplifying Research

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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/

Louise Jopling is the Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer at the Babraham Research Campus and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the Babraham Institute.

Sarah and Louise talk about

1. Her career journey from immunology research to business leader and mentor
2. Why hearing about the real-world impact of health innovations still gives her goosebumps
3. The Babraham Research Campus 'melting pot' which creates a unique environment for research commercialisation and collaboration

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect to Louise on LinkedIn
3. Find out about the Babraham Research Campus and Babraham Institute

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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/

Andy is a communications specialist who embraces using technology to help share research.

Sarah and Andy talk about

1. Making himself so useful that a job was created especially for him
2. Using technology to solve problems and always trying to make things better
3. How he evolved from bedroom radio host to pirate station DJ to podcaster
4. Being a lifelong learner and why more CPD time would benefit everyone

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Check out Andy's Linktree for all his podcasts and articles
3. Connect to Andy on BlueSky
4. Visit Andy's website

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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/

Stephen Britton, Health & Safety Officer (Episode 70)

Sarah's guest for this episode is Stephen Britton. Stephen is currently a Biological Safety Officer at Durham University. Prior to that he spent over 20 years working for the UK Government's Health & Safety Executive.

Sarah and Stephen talk about

1. Our changing appetite for risk and what life might be like without health and safety regulations
2. Some of the major incidents he has investigated
3. Why the constant churn of university research projects creates safety challenges
4. The far-reaching impact of his chosen career compared to staying in research

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect to Stephen on LinkedIn

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

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

Laura Evans-Hill, Visual Storyteller (Episode 69)

Sarah's guest for this episode is Laura Evans-Hill. Laura is a visual storyteller and director of research communications agency Nifty-Fox Creative.

Sarah and Laura talk about

1. Why combining visuals and storytelling can be such a powerful communication tool
2. How she works with researchers to turn illustrations into impact
3. Her journey from accidental freelancer to agency director
4. What AI might mean for the future of research communication

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect to Laura on LinkedIn
3. Find out more about Nifty Fox Creative on their website, LinkedIn or BlueSky
4. Check out the More Than Medals online exhibition

About Research Adjacent

1. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
5. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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/

This is a special double episode. First up Sarah meets David Mendes, aka Papa PhD, medical writer/translator and host of the Beyond the Thesis podcast. Then the tables are turned and David interviews Sarah for the Beyond the Thesis podcast.

Sarah and David talk about

• How networking led to both the career and podcast he has now
• The origin story of the Papa PhD podcast
• Why creating the podcast has helped him feel more confident
• The emotional and practical challenges of the post-PhD journey

Then David and Sarah have a conversation about

• How Sarah transitioned from research to research-adjacent post-PhD
• Advocating for research-adjacent professionals
• Research-adjacent jobs and where to find them
• Why PhD graduates who want to become research-adjacent need to reframe both their skills and their expectations

Find out more

• Read the transcript on the podcast website
• Connect to David on LinkedIn
• Visit the Papa PhD podcast website
• Follow the Papa PhD podcast on Instagram or X
• Connect to Sarah on LinkedIn

About Research Adjacent

• Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
• Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
• Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
• Email a comment, question or suggestion
• Leave Sarah a voice message

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

It's the Easter holidays in the UK so this is a behind the scenes update with just Sarah.

Sarah talks about

• The recent Challenges miniseries
• Upcoming episodes and future guests, including a special collaboration with Papa PhD
• The Research Adjacent Community for freelancers and the Research Adjacent Directory
• What she does when she's not podcasting and her Gathering with Purpose research events newsletter

Find out more

• Read the transcript on the podcast website
• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn
• Find out more about the Research Adjacent Community
• Sign up for Gathering with Purpose, Sarah's research events newsletter

About Research Adjacent

• Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
• Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
• Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Instagram and BlueSky
• Email a comment, question or suggestion
• Leave Sarah a voice message

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