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Research Symposium 2024: Innovate, Inspire, Lead: Transforming research culture

This one-day research symposium focuses on engaging discussions, insightful presentations and networking opportunities to shape the future of higher education.

Research culture and the need for equitable and effective leadership are widely discussed in higher education. Join us at the “Research Symposium 2024: Innovate, Inspire, Lead: Transforming Research Culture,” where we delve into the evolving research landscape. This symposium is a beacon for those who aspire to shape the future of research culture, offering a platform to exchange innovative ideas, inspire leadership, and drive transformative practices.

With people, culture, and environment pilot assessment panels underway for REF2029 and research culture comprising 25% of the assessment, our symposium gains even greater significance. It will provide crucial insights and strategies to reevaluate research culture and navigate the new framework successfully. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of research excellence and cultural shift. Engage with thought leaders, scholars, and peers at this pivotal event.

Event Information

Date: 16 July 2024

Time: 09:00-17:00 BST

Place: Virtual

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Symposium themes

Presentations and workshops will address some of the most pressing issues in research culture:

  • How can research leadership improve and sustain a positive and supportive research culture?
  • What is the route to impactful leadership?
  • What alternative research leadership models can we use to improve research culture?
  • How can we advance and support EDI in research culture?
  • How can we build resilience for ourselves, our teams, and our sector?
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Symposium Agenda

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Research Symposium 2024 - Programme

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Research Symposium 2024 - Abstract

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Who should attend?

This event is designed for early career researchers, experienced researchers and academics, research administrators and managers, policy-makers and funding agencies, industry representatives, publishers and journal editors. It's suitable for anyone passionate about enhancing research practices, those shaping the research culture landscape and enables the fostering of collaboration and building of a wide research community.

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Learning outcomes

  • Practical tools for creating and maintaining a positive research culture.
  • A platform to discuss ethical and practical challenges and solutions related to research culture in higher education and research institutions.
  • A clear link between leadership and research culture.
  • Networking with individuals who shape research culture across the sector
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Facilitators

Charles Knight

Assistant Director, Knowledge & Innovation
,
Advance HE
Charles Knight
Charles is an academic leader with a proven track record of delivery in the areas of learning teaching and enterprise. Before joining Advance HE, he was Associate Dean (Student Experience) at Salford Business School where he worked with colleagues to introduce a series of innovative practices including short technical qualifications, block teaching and an increased emphasis on the use of simulations and experimental learning.

Dr. Ireen Litvak-Zur

Senior Consultant, Research
,
Advance HE
Dr. Ireen Litvak-Zur
Dr. Ireen Litvak-Zur is a Senior Consultant, Research at Advance HE. She directs a wide range of programmes where research and leadership intersect, including Research Leadership Development Programme, Research Team Leadership, and Success on The Board. Ireen holds a PhD in international relations and specializes in negotiation and team dynamics. She was formerly an international relations university lecturer.

Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Candy Rowe

Professor of Animal Behaviour and Cognition, Dean of Research Culture and Strategy
,
Newcastle University
Candy Rowe
Candy's expertise lies in animal behaviour and cognition, with particular interests in how cognitive processes influence the evolution of animal communication and colouration, and how we can use cognition and behaviour to study animal emotion and improve animal welfare.

Dr Sarah Whalley

Research Strategy Manager
,
Newcastle University
Dr Sarah Whalley
Dr Sarah Whalley works with senior leaders and colleagues to deliver transformative change initiatives, including the Newcastle University Centres of Research Excellence, which aim to address global challenges through interdisciplinary collaborations.