PRISM network conference 2026
Digital PRISMs, digital research
Wednesday 25 November 2026, 09:30–16:00
The Great Hall, King's College London, Strand Campus, Strand, London, WC2R 2LS
As research is becoming more digital, how are the skills and knowledge expected of PRISMs changing? The 4th PRISM Network conference focuses on upskilling members to be ready for managing research investments with a strong digital component. Through a combination of talks and interactive sessions, we will explore key concepts and the digital research infrastructure landscape in the UK. We will also explore how digital research is different from the usual when it comes to leading as a PRISM, managing big data, publishing digital outputs, and thinking about sustainability. The conference will provide an opportunity to build practical knowledge, share experiences and strengthen the PRISM community’s readiness to navigate an increasingly digital research environment. Whether you are excited or reluctant to use digital tools and engage with digital research, come to the conference to build your network and position yourself for your next role. Register for the conference here
Conference funded by 
For the first time this year, we have a satellite event planned for the preceding day on 24 November 2026, also at King’s College London, and organised by the King’s Digital Lab. This is an advanced practitioner workshop focused on leading at the PRISM–digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) interface, for PRISMs with experience of working with digital research specialist teams, or aiming to work in this space. It will use practical cases and facilitated exercises to develop approaches that participants can apply to live projects. Find out more and register separately for the satellite event here
Conference programme
09:30 Registration & networking
10:00 Welcome. Bryony Wakefield, Executive Director, Research Management & Innovation, King's College London
10:10 PRISM Network update. Anja Roeding, founder
10:20 Keynotes and Q&A
- PRISMs in digital leadership. Elizabeth James, University of Surrey
- The digital research infrastructure landscape in the UK. Richard Gunn, UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure Programme Director
11:20 Refreshments and networking
11.45 Peer learning session: building a PRISM digital lexicon
12.45 Lunch and networking
13.45 Skills showcase: short presentations from PRISMs with expertise on e.g. working with big data, publishing digital outputs, digital accessibility and digital sustainability.
- SHAPE Up Hub: Connecting Research Outputs with Communities and New Opportunities. Will Salmon and Tamsin Woodward-Smith, University of Surrey
- other topics and speakers TBC
14.45 Career planning interactive session: what do I need to learn next and how can I do this?
15:35 Reflections and next steps
15:45 Close
16.00 Informal networking
The programme will be updated with further speakers when confirmed.
Registration and bursaries
The conference is hybrid. Attendance is open to all, but members will have priority for in person attendance (join the network for free here). Register for the conference here
Thanks to a grant from the DisCouRSE project, in person attendance is free. We have funding for a small number of bursaries to enable PRISMs to attend: you can apply for up to £200 per person to cover travel, accommodation, subsistence, or disability/care-related costs. If you need this funding to attend, please indicate this on your registration form, and we’ll be in touch.
Useful information for attendees
- Venue: access is via the main reception of the Strand Campus, on the south side of the Strand by St Mary’s church.
- Accessibility: There is step-free access from the street (Strand) to the Great Hall, which is on the ground floor. The room is wheelchair accessible from the street. There is no hearing loop. There are disabled toilets on the same floor which are wheelchair accessible.
- There will be a separate quiet space available throughout the day.
- Wi-Fi: Non-King’s employees can connect to eduroam or King’s Guest Wi-Fi service.
- Transport access
- Nearest tube station: Temple for Circle and District lines, Embankment for Northern and Bakerloo lines, Holborn for Piccadilly and Central lines
- Nearest railway stations: Charing Cross, Blackfriars
- There are many bus lines serving the area, please refer to local bus maps.