In this episode of Research Culture Uncovered, host Emma Spary speaks with Professor Tracey Reynolds, Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange in the Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Greenwich and Director of the Institute for Inclusive Communities and Environments, about designing and delivering a week-long Research Culture Week.

Tracey explains how the initiative aimed to connect siloed multi-campus communities, make existing activity more visible, and create inclusive spaces for staff, students, technicians and professional services. The week featured around 50 sessions across campuses and online, including Pint of Science events, a technicians’ “Hidden Heroes” exhibition, and an undergraduate student conference. Tracey shares evaluation insights, unexpected benefits, and practical lessons on early planning, communications, curation, and co-design.

Listen in to find out:

• Why hold a Research Culture Week
• How planning and securing buy in are key for success
• Some of the unexpected wins
• What to do differently next time
• Advice for others considering their own Research Culture Week

Find out more:

• Connect with Tracey Reynolds and Kate Farrow, the team behind the Research Culture Week
• Research Culture Week website
• Pint of Science
• REF2029 Strategy, People and Research Environment (SPRE)

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Host Dr Emily Ennis is joined by colleagues from the University of Leeds Researcher Development and Research Culture team, Dr Taryn Bell, Dr Shareefa Fadhel, and Malaika Khalid, for a post-conference reflection on the International Research Culture Conference (IRCC).

Following presentations, workshops, networking, and conversations at Warwick, the team share what stood out, what surprised them, and what gives them hope for the future of research culture.

• A movement growing up. Four years on from the first IRCC, there was a strong sense that research culture conversations are maturing. Discussions are increasingly focused on implementation, evidence, and sustainability, rather than simply defining what research culture is.
• Hope in uncertain times. Amid challenging funding landscapes and questions about the future of research culture initiatives, delegates repeatedly returned to a sense of optimism. Despite uncertainty, there remains a strong appetite for collaboration and positive change.
• Microinclusions, not just big interventions. Malaika reflects on the power of small acts of inclusion and recognition. From ensuring everyone has a voice in meetings to acknowledging contributions that often go unseen, meaningful culture change can start with everyday interactions.
• Recognition as culture change. The team discuss how recognising the labour of colleagues, especially work that is often invisible, can improve belonging, motivation, and collaboration across research communities.
• Getting the right people in the room. Taryn shares reflections on discussions involving funders, institutional leaders, and practitioners, highlighting the value of bringing different perspectives together to tackle sector-wide challenges.
• From conversation to action. Conferences provide space to connect and reflect, but attendees also explored how to translate ideas into practical action, ensuring discussions lead to meaningful and lasting change.
• Finding community. Beyond the formal programme, the conference reinforced the importance of networks, shared learning, and creating spaces where people working in research culture can learn from each other.
• What's next? Emily, Shareefa, Taryn, and Malaika each share one idea, insight, or action they'll be taking forward from the conference into their own work.

Organisations, Networks & Events Mentioned

• International Research Culture Conference (IRCC)
• University of Warwick Research Culture
• Research Culture Enablers Network (RCEN)
• Wellcome Trust

If you have enjoyed listening to this episode, please consider leaving a review on your favourite podcast app, via Podchaser, or by submitting an online review form.

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