Episoder
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Johanna is on a mission to create a more fun and kind academia.
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
Why she wants to make academia kinder and more fun, and what that looks like in practice How being proactive helped her progress from a maternity cover contract to essentially creating her own job The anthropology research and activism that underpins her approach The importance of helping people feel seen, and free pizza!Find out more
Read the full show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Johanna on LinkedIn Find out more about the Research Careers Campus and Post-Doc Office including the Communities of Curiosity Festival in April 2026About Research Adjacent
Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message -
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 contractorsFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Check out the Research Adjacent Directory Find out if the Research Adjacent Community is right for you Read Top 5 reasons to hire an independent research-adjacent professional Read Working effectively with research-adjacent freelancers Read How much do research-adjacent freelancers cost? Connect with Limor Zwi-Dantsis, Russell Arnott, Sophie Morris, Naomi Tyrrell and Vittoria Danino on LinkedInAbout Research Adjacent
What do you think of this episode? Share a screenshot with your thoughts and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message -
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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 perceivedFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Rika Nair, Alys Kay or Dolly Coates on LinkedIn Read Alys's LinkedIn post about the System Shuffle game Find out more about Research Culture Knowledge Exchange, IRCC25 and the work of the National Centre for Research Culture Read the Wellcome report 'What researcher's think about the culture they work in'About Research Adjacent
Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message -
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
How she combines a love of storytelling and the arts with a talent for managing events and operations Why engagement is often baked into the methods and outputs of arts and humanities Building a career in the cultural sector (despite a detour into French law) Why academia needs more diverse voices, and high-profile cultural iconsFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Find out about everything Esther is working on via her Linktree Find AHEAD at MMU on the web, Linktree, LinkedIn and InstagramAbout Research Adjacent
Where are you listening from? Share a pic and tag @ResearchAdjacent on LinkedIn, Instagram or BlueSky Fill out the research-adjacent careers quiz Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter Email a comment, question or suggestion Leave Sarah a voice message -
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
How her career and business evolved from research to knowledge translation to impact The language and practice of impact around the world Overcoming the mindset challenges that came with starting her own business How the current funding systems are holding back progressFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Tamika on LinkedIn Sign up for the Research Impact Summit Find Research Impact Academy on the web, LinkedIn, Facebook, X, BlueSky, YouTube and InstagramAbout 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 -
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
Trusting her instincts, even when others didn't understand her career choice Embracing opportunities and making the next best move Why she is a passionate advocate for mentoring, EDI and STEM initiatives Seeing the impact of her work on patients and the people she has supportedFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Anji on LinkedIn Find out about LifeArcAbout 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 -
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
Blagging his way into a university teaching position whilst an indie filmmaker Why impact is really all about relationships Being honest – even when it's not what people want to hear The often-invisible work of research professional staffFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Listen to the Amplifying Research podcast Find out about Chris's business Amplifying ResearchAbout 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 -
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
Her career journey from immunology research to business leader and mentor Why hearing about the real-world impact of health innovations still gives her goosebumps The Babraham Research Campus 'melting pot' which creates a unique environment for research commercialisation and collaborationFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Louise on LinkedIn Find out about the Babraham Research Campus and Babraham InstituteAbout 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 -
Sarah's guest for this episode is Andy Tattersall. Andy is a communications specialist who embraces using technology to help share research.
Sarah and Andy talk about
Making himself so useful that a job was created especially for him Using technology to solve problems and always trying to make things better How he evolved from bedroom radio host to pirate station DJ to podcaster Being a lifelong learner and why more CPD time would benefit everyoneFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Check out Andy's Linktree for all his podcasts and articles Connect to Andy on BlueSky Visit Andy's websiteAbout 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 -
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
Our changing appetite for risk and what life might be like without health and safety regulations Some of the major incidents he has investigated Why the constant churn of university research projects creates safety challenges The far-reaching impact of his chosen career compared to staying in researchFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Stephen on LinkedInAbout 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 -
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
Why combining visuals and storytelling can be such a powerful communication tool How she works with researchers to turn illustrations into impact Her journey from accidental freelancer to agency director What AI might mean for the future of research communicationFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Laura on LinkedIn Find out more about Nifty Fox Creative on their website, LinkedIn or BlueSky Check out the More Than Medals online exhibitionAbout 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 -
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 journeyThen 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 expectationsFind 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 LinkedInAbout 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 -
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 newsletterFind 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 newsletterAbout 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 -
Rosalind Gill is Head of Policy and Engagement at the National Centre for Universities and Businesses (NCUB).
Sarah and Rosalind talk about
bringing people together to respond to big sector challenges the realities of working in the sometimes-volatile political realm the huge contribution universities make to the UK economy why changing how people think often has more impact than any individual policyFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Rosalind on LinkedIn or X Find out more about NCUB their website or LinkedIn or XAbout 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 messageIsGqsQ99nci7ahvx91Ve
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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 peopleFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect to Orla on LinkedIn Connect to Joanna on LinkedIn or via the University of Glasgow website Visit the University of Glasgow's Research Culture and Researcher Development team blog Listen to Orla's first appearance on Research AdjacentAbout 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 -
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 relationshipsFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Listen to Jeni's first appearance on Research Adjacent Connect to Jeni on LinkedIn Find networking events on NetworkWhere.comCheck out the Research Adjacent Community for freelancers and small business owners
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 -
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 beyondFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Andrew's Predictions for 2025 LinkedIn articleDownload the Career Compass worksheet
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 -
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 strengthsFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn Listen to Jenny's previous appearance on the podcastDownload the Career Compass worksheet
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 -
Holly is a PhD Careers Specialist at the University of Birmingham and creator of Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers Blog.
Sarah and Holly talk about
How a nudge from a friend kick-started her career The shortage of research-specialist careers advisers Navigating life and work with a disability Why we need better language to define roles in research and higher educationFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Holly on LinkedIn or BlueSky Visit Post-Gradual: The PhD Careers BlogAbout 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 -
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
Being a positive disruptor in higher education Why HE professional roles are invisible by design The disparities between professional and academic contracts Her wish for HE professionals to speak up and speak outFind out more
Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn or via her website Read Rachel's book Surviving and Thriving in Higher Education Professional Services Join one of Rachel's monthly workshopsAbout 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 - Se mer
