Past events

 

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CDT managers' panel discussions

The PRISM network organised two panel discussions focused on practical topics: how to deliver good EDI work in CDTs (3 July) and data collection and management for a CDT (10 July). Join a group of experienced CDT managers to share resources, best practice and previous experience. 
Watch the EDI session on YouTube
Watch the data management session on YouTube

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Knowledge exchange for PRISMs

Managing knowledge exchange (KE) and commercialisation between research at universities and industry partners is a key element of many PRISM roles. In this session, we will explore what KE is and how it fits into PRISM roles, as well as look at how KE careers work. We will provide some practical advice on where to start if you’re looking to improve what you already do, and explore where to get more training. The presenter is Tamsin Mann, Head of Policy & Governance at PraxisAuril, the UK’s professional association for knowledge exchange.

Video of session available to members only

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Project management training for PRISMs, pros and cons

Wednesday, 22 May 2024, 13:00 - 15:00

Is a formal certification in project management a good idea for a PRISM? Should you go for the classic type or for Agile? Should you get certified by APM or PRINCE2 or PMI? In this session, we will hear from several PRISMs about their choices, the investment in time and money required to get the certification, where it has been useful in HE and where it hasn’t. We will also talk to Newcastle University about what the implementation of these practices at scale might look like.

Watch the session on YouTube

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PRISMs and research culture

Thursday 25 April 2024, 13.30-15.00 

The PRISM network was founded to campaign for a change in research culture surrounding PRISMs. But we in turn shape research culture in our own teams and institutions. How can we contribute to it in the best possible way? In this workshop we will map the ways PRISMs contribute to research culture – this will create a resource for members. The session will be led by Rika Nair of the Research Culture Enablers Network at the University of Warwick, and Isabella von Holstein, PRISM network lead.
 

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How should team-led research work? The PRISM perspective

Thursday 21 March 2024, 13.30-15.00

Thrive is a Research England-funded project at the University of Liverpool to develop a prototype team-led research model to inform AHRC’s Mission/Large Grant responsive mode funding call. It aims to transform research collaboration through promoting inclusive decision-making, fostering collective leadership, and supporting the development of all team members. The model will be piloted through a live funding call. But what would a team-led model, as opposed to a PI-led model, actually work? How could PRISMs support it, and how could PRISMs benefit from it, including advancing career progression, job security, and recognition? 

In this workshop, Alys Kay, Senior Researcher Developer, explored how Thrive principles apply to PRISM roles. We will explore practical strategies for implementing Thrive principles in research management roles. Additionally, the workshop seeks to offer PRISM professionals insights into how the integration of Thrive principles can enrich research culture, encourage diversity in leadership, and ultimately contribute to the attainment of research excellence.  
 

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First PRISM network in person conference

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PRISMs & Industry

Wednesday 25 October 2023 13:30-15:00
Many PRISMs have previous experience working in industry or engage with industry through their roles. This can often be challenging from a HE perspective. Join us for a session hosted by PRISMs Iwona Spill and Matthew Finerty, who will speak about their experience working in industry and the transition and challenges of now working in Higher Education. 
 

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How should the contribution of PRISMs be assessed in REF2028?

23 August 2023

REF2028 is beginning to take shape. In some promising steps, the 4 UK funding bodies have decided to move further away from the assessment of individuals, and increase the weighting for “people, culture and environment”, which will be assessed via a questionnaire. They are asking for feedback on their initial decisions via a consultation. We met to assess the impact of the decisions they have taken so far on PRISMs.

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The Technician Commitment: What can PRISMs learn from this?

21 June 2023

Dr Simon Breeden was instrumental in developing the Technician Commitment, which ensures visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technical skills and roles in higher education. Simon joined us to share the story of the Technician's Commitment and the Institute, including how it came about, what were the breakthrough moments, lessons learnt and how funding was secured. 

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Academic Communication Problems: Helping PRISMs communicate research

24 May 2023

Communicating research can be a thorny issue, as you often have different stakeholders with different levels of interest, knowledge and motivation. Getting these groups to all communicate well is tricky. This workshop looked at some of the major issues that cause things to go wrong and provides thoughts and techniques to help keep everything on track.
Led by Duncan Yellowlees 

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Impact & Engagement for PRISMs

29 March 2023
Measuring impact is a way to show that something is being achieved. Measuring research impact is quantifying the change or benefit in the real world due to such activities. This session will look at how we measure and assess research impact and how PRISMs can contribute to this process through activities such as identifying relevant quantifiable impact, providing advice on materials to strengthen impact, helping to develop impact case studies, sharing good practice and materials relating to impact & engagement.
Led by Dr Eve Cosgrave, Deputy Head of Faculty Research, University of Newcastle.

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CDT knowledge exchange workshops

January/February 2023

A 3-session series of knowledge exchange meetings dedicated to best practice sharing among (aspiring) managers of EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).

1. Training / cohort building (23 January 2023)
2. Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity / CDT culture (6 February 2023)
3. Responsible Innovation / industry engagement & PGR career development (27 February 2023)

FAQ page on PRISMs in the CDT call

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Writing a Business Case

23 January 2023
PRISM members have expressed an interest to learn more about constructing business cases. This session covered structure and language used in these documents, as well as tips and tricks for pitching your ideas. We invited people who want to learn about business case writing, and also people with experience in this area to join and share their experiences and best practice.
Led by Dr Rachel Sparks, PRISM committee member and Strategic Project Manager at Newcastle University.

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PRISMs & the EPSRC CDT call 2022/23 - Knowledge exchange among (aspiring) Doctoral Training Centre Managers 

23rd November 2022
We hosted a session dedicated to best practice sharing and bid development discussions among CDT managers (and those who aim to become one) for the imminent CDT call. 
Led by Dr Anja Roeding (University of Exeter) and Dr Susie Douglas (University of Bath), PRISM committee members

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Showcase of PRISM champion work

5 October 2022
How to go from 0 to effective senior management engagement and be a trailblazer for the PRISM initiative at your home institution.
Speakers: Debra Fearnshaw (Nottingham), Fleur Hughes (York), and Chloe Turner (Bath).

PRISMs & event management

May/June 2022
A PRISM's day job will likely include 'event management' in some form or other - from consortium meetings to conference organisation and effective networking events for our key stakeholders. In this workshop series, we facilitated best practice exchange from an overarching snapshot of the community experience on event management, to more in-depth knowledge sharing on selected event types. 

• Summer schools/conferences, led by Justina Heslop (University of Newcastle), 8 June 2022
  • discussing an interesting stop/motion animation from the INPOMS Conference 2021
  • Justina's slides on summer school & conference management 
• Networking events, led by Fleur Hughes (University of York), 15 June 2022
• Consortium meetings, led by Alex Kersting (University of Cambridge), 29 June 2022 
  • Slides from the event