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Research Adjacent

Research Adjacent

Written by: 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.2023-25 Careers Economics Personal Success Social Sciences
Episodes
  • So much of what technicians do just doesn’t get noticed with Andrew Cripps

    So much of what technicians do just doesn’t get noticed with Andrew Cripps
    Jun 9 2026

    Andrew Cripps is Technical Head of the Small Animal Research Unit at the University of Reading. Andrew has spent his career helping to advance medical science through animal research.

    Sarah and Andrew talk about

    • All the work technicians do which often goes unnoticed
    • What TV gets wrong about animal research facilities and what it’s really like
    • Building a career in research despite never going to university
    • Why he entered (and won) a research entrepreneurship competition

    Find out more

    • Find full show notes and transcript on the episode webpage
    • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn
    • Read more about animal research at Reading
    • Learn about how animals are used in research at Understanding Animal Research and the Institute of Animal Technology
    • Read about Andrew’s success at the YES entrepreneurial awards

    About Research Adjacent

    • Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn
    • Email a comment, question or suggestion
    • Leave a voice note
    • Post a review on Podchaser
    • Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Susan Mandala, Writing Works Consulting

    Dr Susan Mandala offers a range of workshops on research writing including her signature offer, How to Really Write Your Literature Review. Other topics include writing academic papers with clear narratives, supporting expert practitioners transitioning into research, establishing consistent writing practices, and improving confidence. Find out more at www.writingworksconsulting.co.uk

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

    Diversity is complex, but it's not complicated with Jakob Feldtfos Christensen (Episode 93)
    May 26 2026

    Jakob Feldtfos Christensen is a research manager at the Defaktum research centre in Denmark, an independent consultant, host of the Diversity in Research podcast and author of the book Diversity Leadership for Research Managers: A Practical Guide.

    Sarah and Jakob talk about

    • That diversity isn’t just about staff – it needs to be woven through every part of a research project
    • How research professionals can step up and take the lead on diversity and inclusion
    • Why more data isn’t the answer and can even make things worse
    • The small steps and incremental progress that can lead to big changes over time

    Find out more

    • Find full show notes and transcript on the episode webpage
    • Connect with Jakob on LinkedIn or via the Diversiunity website
    • Get a copy of Jakob’s book - Diversity Leadership for Research Managers: A Practical Guide
    • Listen to Sarah guesting on Jakob's Diversity in Research podcast

    About Research Adjacent

    • Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn
    • Email a comment, question or suggestion
    • Leave a voice note
    • Post a review on Podchaser
    • Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Helping you have conversations that move research forwards

    When she's not hosting Research Adjacent, Sarah McLusky organises, facilitates and trains people to run events, workshops and meetings that get people talking about research. To find out more about working with Sarah and to book a free call go to https://sarahmclusky.com/

    Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Susan Mandala, Writing Works Consulting

    Dr Susan Mandala offers a range of workshops on research writing including her signature offer, How to Really Write Your Literature Review. Other topics include writing academic papers with clear narratives, supporting expert practitioners transitioning into research, establishing consistent writing practices, and improving confidence. Find out more at www.writingworksconsulting.co.uk

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

    If you focus on the process, the product will look after itself with Sarah Campbell, Daksha Patel and Sian Docksey (Episode 92)
    May 12 2026
    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 aboutWhy researchers and artists have more in common than you might thinkThe key ingredients for a successful collaboration including time, resources, and freedomHow the creative process can hold space for complicated challenges, spark new ideas and have unexpected benefitsFind out moreFind full show notes, the transcript and examples of Daksha and Sian’s work on the episode webpageSign up for the free symposium Activating Creativity in UK UniversitiesFind out more about Arts & Culture at the University of Exeter through their website, Instagram, LinkedIn and FacebookFind out about the University of Exeter Creative FellowshipsConnect with Daksha via Instagram and her website Connect with Sian via Instagram, Patreon, Substack, Pole the Other One podcast and her websiteAbout Research AdjacentFollow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn Email a comment, question or suggestionLeave a voice notePost a review on PodchaserSign up to the Research Adjacent newsletterMentioned in this episode:Helping you have conversations that move research forwardsWhen 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 Directory Member of the Month: Susan Mandala, Writing Works ConsultingDr Susan Mandala offers a range of workshops on research writing including her signature offer, How to Really Write Your Literature Review. Other topics include writing academic papers with clear narratives, supporting expert practitioners transitioning into research, establishing consistent writing practices, and improving confidence. Find out more at www.writingworksconsulting.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
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