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TitreDateDurée
The poster children for squiggly careers (Episode 98)04 août 202600:26:44

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)21 juil. 202600:35:54

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/

Big News and Reason to be Cheerful (Episode 96)07 juil. 202600:19:56

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/

We’re all here for the research with the Research Professional Futures team (Episode 95)23 juin 202600:34:32

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

So much of what technicians do just doesn’t get noticed with Andrew Cripps09 juin 202600:32:47

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


About Research Adjacent


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)26 mai 202600:42:03

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

If you focus on the process, the product will look after itself with Sarah Campbell, Daksha Patel and Sian Docksey (Episode 92)12 mai 202600:49:57

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


About Research Adjacent


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)28 avr. 202600:26:24

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

If you can't imagine it, you can't do it with Helen Underhill (Episode 90)31 mars 202600:34:10

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

Podcasthon 2026 Special: Rewilding Scotland with every episode (Episode 89)17 mars 202600:09:49

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

  1. Find out more about Trees for Life and support their work on their website or follow them on LinkedIn or Instagram
  2. Visit the Research Adjacent virtual tree grove and donate a tree if you like
  3. Read the book ‘Wilding’ by Isabella Tree
  4. Listen to the Wild for Scotland podcast


About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn
  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:

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)10 mars 202600:37:11

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

  1. Why the essence and ethics of participatory research are the same, no matter what you call it
  2. The magic that can spark when you find the right collaborators
  3. How Inbal decided she wanted to work in knowledge translation before she discovered it was an actual job
  4. Recognising and drawing on different kinds of expertise to ensure research gets used and makes a difference

Find out more

  1. Find full show notes, the transcript and timestamps on the episode webpage
  2. Connect with Inbal on LinkedIn
  3. Find out more about the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging

About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn
  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:

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/

Inclusive science communication with Tamara Poles (Episode 87)24 févr. 202600:34:19

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

  1. Why representation and inclusion in science communication matters
  2. Sharing science and building community through unconventional formats including the Scirens drag and burlesque show and adults-only ‘Uncensored Science’
  3. Helping researchers connect to audiences through their own personal story, not just their science
  4. Navigating funding cuts and the anti-science narrative in current US politics

Find out more

  1. Visit the episode webpage
  2. Connect with Tamara on LinkedIn
  3. Find out more about Universal SciCom via their website, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pages
  4. Sign up for the Universal SciCom newsletter
  5. 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

  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:

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 outrage to embedded: 25 years of impact with Sarah Morton (Episode 86)10 févr. 202600:40:16

Sarah Morton is an impact consultant, currently of Capture Impact but previously of Matter of Focus, and the self-confessed ‘granny of impact’

  1. Leading the way in impact and knowledge exchange (before they were even a thing)
  2. Falling through the cracks between research and administrative roles
  3. Escaping university bureaucracy to become an accidental tech entrepreneur
  4. Why knowledge exchange and impact work is all about relationships and making a difference

Find out more

  1. Connect with Sarah Morton via LinkedIn or the Capture Impact website
  2. Get Sarah's co-authored book 'How do you know if you’re making a difference?'
  3. Read Sarah's highly-cited article on research impact assessment

Events Mentioned

  1. 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
  2. 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

  1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn
  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:

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)27 janv. 202600:40:50

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

  1. Why traditional academic conferences are failing everyone - attendees, presenters, organisers and the wider world
  2. Prioritising people, connection and collaboration over PowerPoint and information overload
  3. The small changes that can make a big difference
  4. How Russell, Sarah and Re:Conference can help reinvent conferences for good

Find out more

  1. Check out the Re:Conference website
  2. Connect with Russell on LinkedIn or visit the Incredible Oceans website
  3. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn or sign up for her newsletter Gathering with Purpose


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:

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/

Impact is for life, not just for REF with Kirsty High and Sean McCaul (recorded live at Impact Ignite 2025) (Episode 84)13 janv. 202600:50:26

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:

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/

2025 in Research Adjacent Land (Episode 83)16 déc. 202500:25:22

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:

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/

Making space for awe and wonder with Katherine Mathieson (Episode 82)02 déc. 202500:37:12

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

  1. Why The Royal Institution means different things to different people
  2. The iconic Christmas Lectures
  3. How a phone-in science hotline kick-started her career in science communication
  4. Making space for awe and wonder, and why that might help tackle the anti-science narrative

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes on the Research Adjacent website
  2. Connect with Kathrine on LinkedIn or BlueSky
  3. Find out more about The Royal Institution and its history
  4. Check if you can watch the Christmas Lectures recording livestream near you

About Research Adjacent

  1. Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky
  2. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
  3. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  5. 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/

One university thinking with Laura Breen (Episode 81)18 nov. 202500:30:29

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

  1. Prioritising collaboration over competition and convening creative relational spaces
  2. Her journey from museums and ceramics to universities and impact
  3. How the impact agenda and REF are shaping research culture and even artistic practice
  4. The importance of empathy and intuition in how she works

Find out more

  1. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn
  2. 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.
  3. Find out more about the Impact Ignite Conference that Laura is speaking at in late November 2025


About Research Adjacent

  1. Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky
  2. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
  3. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  5. 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/

Recognising hidden roles in research with Hidden REF (Episode 80)04 nov. 202500:29:37

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

  1. Hidden REF committee members Simon Hettrick and James Baker sharing the story behind the event
  2. Previous Hidden REF competition winners Laura Henderson and Lorraine van Blerk highlighting hidden roles in research
  3. Speaker 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

  1. Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with guests Simon Hettrick, James Baker, Laura Henderson, Lorraine van Blerk, Elisa Collado, Emily Ennis, Jo Williams and Alix Brodie-Wray or Nick Sheppard
  3. Find 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.
  4. Listen to the What the REF?! podcast


About Research Adjacent

  1. Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky
  2. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
  3. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  5. 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/

A more fun and kind academia with Johanna Stadlbauer (Episode 79)21 oct. 202500:36:57

Johanna is a researcher developer on a mission.

Johanna Stadlbauer is Head of the Research Careers Campus at the University of Graz in Austria, offering development and support for early to mid-career researchers.

Sarah and Johanna talk about

  1. Why she wants to make academia kinder and more fun, and what that looks like in practice
  2. How being proactive helped her progress from a maternity cover contract to essentially creating her own job
  3. The anthropology research and activism that underpins her approach
  4. The importance of helping people feel seen, and free pizza!

Find out more

  1. Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Johanna on LinkedIn
  3. Find out more about the Research Careers Campus and Post-Doc Office including the Communities of Curiosity Festival in April 2026


About Research Adjacent

  1. Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky
  2. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
  3. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  5. 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/

Working with research-adjacent freelancers (Episode 78)07 oct. 202500:33:54

This episode is a must listen for anyone who hires freelancers to support research projects or who is a freelancer themselves. It is packed with advice for making things run more smoothly – from contracts to cold-hard cash. We are also launching the Research Adjacent Directory listing service.

Sarah is joined by fellow freelancers from the Research Adjacent Community including Limor Zwi-Dantsis, Russell Arnott, Sophie Morris, Naomi Tyrrell and Vittoria Danino, to talk about…

  • Why hiring a freelancer can be a great decision
  • Tips for working effectively with research-adjacent freelancers
  • How much excellent specialists actually cost
  • Where to find quality contractors

Find out more


About Research Adjacent


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/

Hidden labour and research culture: IRCC25 (Episode 77)23 sept. 202500:22:06

Sarah reports from the International Research Culture Conference #IRCC25 which was held at the University of Warwick on 17 September 2025. It features contributions from Rika Nair, Alys Kay and Dolly Coates, as well as excerpts from Sarah's talk on professional development for research enablers.

Sarah and her guests talk about

  • Why the recognising the contributions of research-adjacent roles is a key research culture issue
  • Challenges research-adjacent professionals can face when trying to make progress in their careers
  • The System Shuffle game which aims to make the hidden labour in research teams more visible
  • How the language used to describe research-adjacent roles influences how they are perceived

Find out more


About Research Adjacent


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/

Storytelling for research engagement with Esther Lisk-Carew (Episode 76)09 sept. 202500:32:30

Esther Lisk-Carew is engagement coordinator for a programme called AHEAD (Arts and Humanities Engagement and Dialogue) at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is also a freelance consultant, trustee of Manchester's Portico Library and founder of the Black and Global Majority Cultural Creative Network.

Sarah and Esther talk about

  1. How she combines a love of storytelling and the arts with a talent for managing events and operations
  2. Why engagement is often baked into the methods and outputs of arts and humanities
  3. Building a career in the cultural sector (despite a detour into French law)
  4. Why academia needs more diverse voices, and high-profile cultural icons

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Find out about everything Esther is working on via her Linktree
  3. Find AHEAD at MMU on the web, Linktree, LinkedIn and Instagram


About Research Adjacent

  1. Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky
  2. Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz
  3. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  4. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  5. 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/

Why impact matters more than labels with Tamika Heiden (Episode 75)12 août 202500:35:33

Tamika Heiden is the founder and director of impact consultancy Research Impact Academy. Her company works with researchers around the globe and also runs the Research Impact Summit.

Sarah and Tamika talk about

  1. How her career and business evolved from research to knowledge translation to impact
  2. The language and practice of impact around the world
  3. Overcoming the mindset challenges that came with starting her own business
  4. How the current funding systems are holding back progress

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Tamika on LinkedIn
  3. Sign up for the Research Impact Summit
  4. Find Research Impact Academy on the web, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, BlueSky, YouTube and Instagram

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:

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/

Taking research from bench to bedside with Anji Miller (Episode 74)29 juil. 202500:37:26

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:

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/

Building relationships to amplify research with Chris Pahlow (Episode 73)15 juil. 202500:31:04

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:

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/

Helping bioscience companies thrive with Louise Jopling (Episode 72)01 juil. 202500:34:26

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:

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/

Embracing new technologies with Andy Tattersall (Episode 71)17 juin 202500:37:42

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:

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/

Think twice and stay safe with Stephen Britton (Episode 70)03 juin 202500:35:03

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:

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/

Turning illustrations into impact with Laura Evans-Hill (Episode 69)20 mai 202500:40:24

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:

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/

Research Adjacent meets Papa PhD (Episode 68)06 mai 202500:57:49

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

Holiday Edition with Sarah McLusky (Episode 67)22 avr. 202500:17:09

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


About Research Adjacent


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/

Shaping policy by changing minds with Rosalind Gill (Episode 66)08 avr. 202500:31:05

Rosalind Gill is Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB).

Sarah and Rosalind talk about

  1. bringing people together to respond to big sector challenges
  2. the realities of working in the sometimes-volatile political realm
  3. the huge contribution universities make to the UK economy
  4. why changing how people think often has more impact than any individual policy

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect to Rosalind on LinkedIn or X
  3. Find out more about NCUB their website or LinkedIn or X


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



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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/

Influencing Others with Orla Kelly and Joanna Royle (Episode 65)25 mars 202500:46:26

This episode is about influencing others at work with Joanna Royle and Orla Kelly. Joanna is a Researcher Development Manager at the University of Glasgow. Orla is Scotland's Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Collaboration Manager based at the University of the West of Scotland.

Sarah, Joanna and Orla talk about

  • What the term influence means to them
  • How the need to influence others shows up for research-adjacent professionals
  • Examples of how they have used their influence at work
  • Tips for influencing others, including more senior people

Find out more


About Research Adjacent


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/

Finding Community with Jeni Smith (Episode 64)11 mars 202500:39:16

This episode is all about finding and building your community with networking expert Jeni Smith.

Sarah and Jeni talk about

  • Why everyone is feeling isolated and craving human connection
  • How self-awareness can help you figure out what kind of community you want
  • Where to look for people like you
  • Ideas for nurturing and growing relationships

Find out more


Check out the Research Adjacent Community for freelancers and small business owners

About Research Adjacent


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/

Navigating Change with Andrew Millar (Episode 63)25 févr. 202500:36:21

This episode is all about navigating change in the research and higher education world. Sarah's guest is Andrew Millar, Head of Web Services at the University of Dundee.

Sarah and Andrew talk about

  • Seeing change as an evolution not a revolution
  • Why open communication is essential for anyone managing change
  • The importance of finding a sense of control amid change
  • What changes are coming for higher education in 2025 and beyond

Find out more


Download the Career Compass worksheet

About Research Adjacent


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/

Imposter Syndrome with Jenny Brady (Episode 62)11 févr. 202500:38:29

This episode is all about imposter syndrome and how it shows up for research-adjacent professionals. Sarah's guest Jenny Brady is a coach and facilitator who previously featured in episode 16.

Sarah and Jenny talk about

  • Why Imposter moments are part of being human
  • When working with researchers can trigger confidence issues
  • Techniques for managing imposter moments including evidence-based reflection, reframing and focusing on strengths

Find out more


Download the Career Compass worksheet

About Research Adjacent


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/

A post-gradual approach to PhD careers with Holly Prescott (Episode 61)28 janv. 202500:37:03

Holly helps PhD researchers navigate careers beyond academia.

She is a PhD Careers Specialist at the University of Birmingham and creator of Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers Blog.

Sarah and Holly talk about

  1. How a nudge from a friend kick-started her career
  2. The shortage of research-specialist careers advisers
  3. Navigating life and work with a disability
  4. Why we need better language to define roles in research and higher education

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Holly on LinkedIn or BlueSky
  3. Visit Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers Blog

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:

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/

Surviving and thriving in HE professional services with Rachel Reeds (Episode 60)14 janv. 202500:40:04

Rachel is the author of Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services, founder of The Bold Collective, and Senior Admissions Manager at Anglia Ruskin University.

Sarah and Rachel talk about

  1. Being a positive disruptor in higher education
  2. Why HE professional roles are invisible by design
  3. The disparities between professional and academic contracts
  4. Her wish for HE professionals to speak up and speak out

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn or via her website
  3. Read Rachel's book Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services
  4. Join one of Rachel's monthly workshops


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:

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/

Looking forward to 2025 (Episode 59)31 déc. 202400:26:41

For the last episode of 2024, Sarah is looking ahead to 2025 and sharing a sneak peek into what lies ahead.

Sarah talks about

  • A preview of upcoming episodes and a special mini-series
  • The new research-adjacent careers quiz and making the podcast back catalogue more accessible
  • Her half-written book on research adjacent careers
  • New workshops and support for research-adjacent professionals
  • Launching the Research Adjacent Community for self-employed folks

Find out more


Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

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/

Review of 2024 (Episode 58)17 déc. 202400:24:39

Sarah looks back on memorable podcast moments from 2024

Sarah talks about

  • How the second year of the podcast has been different from the first
  • How the podcast has grown and evolved in 2024
  • What she has learned from Spotify Wrapped (yacht rock anyone?) and other podcast stats
  • Most listened to episodes and memorable moments

Episodes and links mentioned
Find out more

Theme music by Lemon Music Studios from Pixabay

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/

The glue that holds the NHS research world together with Helen Riding (Episode 57)03 déc. 202400:35:04

Helen Riding is a research manager for the North of England Commissioning Support Unit and coordinator for the Research and Development Forum. She helps make primary care research easier so that more patients can benefit

Sarah and Helen talk about

  1. Being the glue that holds the primary care research world together
  2. How she went from graphic designer to research manager (via midwifery)
  3. Navigating redundancy and becoming a mature student
  4. Why she keeps the patient at the heart of everything she does

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Helen on LinkedIn, X or ResearchGate
  3. Find out about the NECS and the Research and Development Forum
  4. Read a recent paper on how being research-active improves healthcare

About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  3. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Taking networking seriously (but not too seriously) with Jeni Smith (Episode 56)19 nov. 202400:37:24

Jeni Smith is an academic networking expert and founder of NetKno.

Sarah and Jeni talk about

  1. How she turned her natural ability for connecting people into a career
  2. Why businesses and academics network for different reasons
  3. What networking is really about – and it's not what most people think
  4. Finally finding the language to describe what she has been seeing in real life for 20 years

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Jeni on LinkedIn
  3. Follow NetKno on the web, LinkedIn and Instagram


About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
  3. Email a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Facilitating life-changing genetic research with Deb Lancaster (Episode 55)05 nov. 202400:31:59

Deb Lancaster is 'kind of a head of department' and leads research-facing teams at Genomics England. Genomics England provides genome sequencing for the NHS and maintains DNA databases for research.

Sarah and Deb talk about

  1. Why making a difference in the world has motivated her entire career
  2. The impact her teams and the data they manage is having
  3. That you never stop learning, or being scared sometimes, even after 30-years in work

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Listen to the Behind the Genes podcast
  3. Find out more about Genomics England on their website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube

About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
  3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Bringing research to life through exhibitions with David Wright (Episode 54)22 oct. 202400:35:04

David Wright is an Assistant Curator at Durham University where he creates research-based exhibitions for university-owned museums and galleries.

Sarah and David talk about

  1. Finding the stories, objects and experiences to hook visitors
  2. Why endless hours of people-watching were perfect preparation for being a curator
  3. The challenges of building a steady career in the museums sector
  4. His vision for more creative and radical exhibitions

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with David via LinkedIn or the Durham University website
  3. Explore his online exhibitions including Catch Your Breath, Tunstall and the Tudors and Between Worlds.


About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
  3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Changing academia from the inside with Kasia Kuzmicz-Kowalska (Episode 53)08 oct. 202400:30:53

Kasia is project manager for the IgG4-TREAT Consortium at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria. She also created the podcast Science on Trial and Error.

Sarah and Kasia talk about

  1. Her transition from researcher to research manager
  2. How her podcast grew out of disillusionment with academia
  3. Why stepping away from research has made her feel more hopeful
  4. The contribution research-adjacent roles can make to culture change

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Kasia on LinkedIn
  3. Listen to the Science on Trial and Error podcast on LinkedIn, Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen to podcasts
  4. Find out more about the IgG4-TREAT Consortium on their website or LinkedIn


About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
  3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Making medical research more accessible with Maria Cohut (Episode 52)24 sept. 202400:33:19

Maria uses her literary skills to communicate medical research

Maria Cohut is Feature Editor for the website Medical News Today and host of the In Conversation podcast.

Sarah and Maria talk about:

  1. Finding good stories and why press releases are still important
  2. How she pivoted from English literature to medical journalism
  3. Transferable skills and redefining her identity
  4. Why we all need to be more open-minded about career paths

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Maria on LinkedIn
  3. Read Maria's articles on Medical News Today including Lucid dreaming: Controlling the stories of sleep and The science behind lucid dreaming
  4. Listen to the In Conversation podcast

About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
  3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

Fostering partnerships across the life sciences research community with Ally Hughes (Episode 51)10 sept. 202400:33:02

Ally Hughes is Project Manager for the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance, also known as SULSA. SULSA fosters research collaborations between different organisations, different disciplines and even different countries.

Sarah and Ally talk about:

  1. Her current role which keeps her connected to research with lots of variety and learning opportunities
  2. Brokering research collaborations between Scotland and Germany and tackling diversity in STEM
  3. How an industrial placement and being a student rep for SULSA opened her eyes to the job possibilities beyond academia
  4. Mental health challenges, especially during her PhD, and the professional and personal support that pulled her through
  5. Why greater cooperation and collaboration are key to tackling massive global challenges

Find out more

  1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
  2. Connect with Ally on LinkedIn
  3. Find out about SULSA on their website, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram

About Research Adjacent

  1. Follow the podcast on LinkedIn and Instagram
  2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
  3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
  4. 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/

[Replay with new intro] Boundaries (Episode 14)27 août 202400:12:41

Sarah is on holiday so we are revisiting an episode from April 2023 all about boundaries and work-life balance.

Sarah talks about

  • Why setting and holding boundaries can be particularly challenging in the research-adjacent world
  • Setting boundaries and taking leave as a form of quiet activism
  • Managing expectations and managing our own behaviour
  • Why we are all, always, a work in progress

Find out more


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/

Celebrating 50 Episodes (Episode 50)13 août 202400:22:07

Sarah looks back on the first 50 episodes of Research Adjacent.

Sarah invites a number of past guests to reflect on what being part of the podcast has mean to them. This includes

  • Connecting with new people
  • Self-reflection
  • Embracing the term research-adjacent
  • Boosting confidence
  • Feeling like part of a community
  • Giving something back

What has Research Adjacent meant to you? Please let Sarah know!


Catch up on the guests featured in this episode


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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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