Knowledge Exchange series of events 2024–2025
Introduction to Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
This workshop provides an in-depth introduction to Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and their role in facilitating collaboration between universities and industry partners to drive innovation and knowledge exchange. Led by Sharon Perry, a KTP Advisor, the session will offer academic staff the opportunity to engage in 1-2-1 meetings for personalised advice on initiating and managing KTP projects. Additionally, Sharon will deliver a presentation to the Research Directorate team, highlighting key aspects of KTPs, including funding opportunities, partnership structures, and the impact of KTPs on research and industry collaboration.
Introduction to Knowledge Exchange (for academics)
This full-day workshop introduces academic staff to the concept of Knowledge Exchange (KE) and its growing importance within UK Higher Education. Led by Professor Jennie Shorley and Dr Alistair McDermott, the session will explore what KE entails, its significance to institutions like the University of Suffolk, and how it can enhance academic careers. Participants will gain insights into the skills necessary for successful KE and engage in interactive networking exercises designed to foster collaboration. The workshop will focus primarily on KE, as distinct from business engagement, encouraging academics to reflect on why KE matters and how it aligns with their professional development and research goals.
‘The
Why,’ ‘The Why Not,’ ‘The
How’
Led by Coaching with Chemistry, Hortense Frisby and Sam Howell.
This workshop is designed to equip participants with the confidence and skills necessary to build and develop networks of potential partners for exchanging knowledge. Through a mix of interactive sessions, practical exercises, and reflective discussions, attendees will explore the benefits of networking, address common barriers, and practice key networking skills.
The outcomes:
Staff understand the benefit of networking — ‘The Why’
Staff have the confidence to try networking — ‘The Why Not’
Staff have the skills to network — ‘The How’
Introduction to the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4)
The Introduction to the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF4) session, led by Research England, aims to provide academic and professional staff with a comprehensive understanding of the Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and its latest iteration, KEF4. This session will explain the role of KEF in evaluating how effectively universities collaborate with external partners, drive innovation, and contribute to societal and economic development. By aligning knowledge exchange activities with KEF metrics, institutions can enhance their strategic engagement and showcase their impact across various sectors.
The objectives of this session are to familiarise attendees with the key perspectives of KEF4, including research partnerships, working with business, local growth, and public and community engagement. Participants will learn how KEF4 supports the strategic priorities of our institution and how they can leverage the framework to enhance their knowledge exchange activities. By the end of the session, attendees will have a clear understanding of how KEF4 can be used to measure and improve institutional performance in knowledge exchange, ensuring that our efforts align with national priorities and societal needs.
Unlocking Innovation: A Day of Knowledge Exchange and Partnership Opportunities for Business Growth
This one-day event is designed to foster collaboration between academia and industry, focusing on how knowledge exchange can unlock innovation and drive business growth. Throughout the day, participants will explore opportunities for Knowledge Exchange Partnerships. The event will bring together academic experts, business leaders, and external stakeholders to discuss how research insights and academic expertise can be applied to solve industry challenges, enhance competitiveness, and create new market opportunities. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to leverage knowledge exchange to fuel innovation and long-term business success.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) event for the creative/cultural sectors in Ipswich
This half-day event is dedicated to exploring the benefits of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) for businesses and organisations within the creative and cultural sectors in Ipswich. Hosted by the University, the event will provide
participants with an opportunity to learn how KTPs can drive innovation, enhance business practices, and offer access to funding and academic expertise. Through a keynote presentation and an interactive workshop, attendees will gain practical insights into how KTPs can support growth, address sector-specific challenges, and foster sustainable development in the creative industry. The event will also feature a panel discussion on the future of the creative and cultural sectors in Ipswich, where industry leaders, academics, and local government representatives will discuss upcoming opportunities and challenges.
Bridging healthcare and academia — a knowledge exchange event with ESNEFT and University of Suffolk
This event will facilitate knowledge exchange between hospital staff and university academics in Allied and Public Health professions. The aim is to foster collaboration, share research and knowledge exchange insights, and explore innovative practices that can be applied in clinical settings. It will provide a platform for both sectors to discuss healthcare challenges and opportunities, focusing on how academic research can inform clinical practice and enhance patient care outcomes. The programme will include an introduction to the key objectives of knowledge exchange in healthcare, followed by presentations, case studies, and an interactive workshop.
Knowledge Exchange drop-in sessions and 1-2-1s with the Knowledge Exchange team (monthly)
The drop-in sessions are open to academic staff, researchers and business professionals seeking expert support in maximising the impact of their knowledge exchange activities
Research Development series of events 2024–2025
Research integrity
The programme for this half-day workshop includes presentations, discussions, and breakout exercises to facilitate peer-to-peer learning. It provides participants with the opportunity to work individually and in groups, and to reflect on their own responsibilities and research practice. Topics include:
What research integrity is and why it matters
Research misconduct
Research culture, integrity, and practice
Ethics case discussion — participants work together in groups to discuss possible ethical resolutions to an ethics case involving research team culture and questionable research practice
AI in research — supporting research integrity through governance and ethics’ session
This workshop focuses on how Research Ethics Committees (RECs) should approach the use of Artificial Intelligence in research from an ethical perspective. The discussions will emphasise the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly, with a focus on maintaining research integrity, participant safety, and transparency.
Debriefing training workshop
The training is designed to equip researchers with the skills needed for conducting ethical and effective debriefing sessions. This workshop emphasises the ethical obligations of debriefing, such as providing participants with clear information about the study’s purpose, discussing any potential impacts, and ensuring participants feel respected and supported post-participation. Attendees will learn how to structure debriefing sessions to address participants’ questions or concerns, ensuring transparency and compliance with ethical standards. By developing these debriefing skills, researchers can enhance participant trust, uphold ethical integrity, and reinforce a commitment to responsible research practices.
Applying for research and KE funding — the pre-award process and project costing
The workshop will introduce participants to the support systems available at the University of Suffolk and offer guidance on research and knowledge exchange costings. Key topics include:
Getting started: exploring funding opportunities and planning your application
Pre-award process: providing essential guidance, key considerations, and information on whom to contact for support
An overview of the University of Suffolk’s costing form, with a focus on the importance of full economic costing
Open Access Repository Suffolk clinics
The session covers the basics of depositing staff research into OARS, timescales and the next REF, along with a look at publishing gold open access via a University of Suffolk transformative publishing agreement. The session also provides an open forum for questions.
Drop-in sessions on research repositories and open access clinics
If staff require assistance using OARS, or have any questions relating to open access publishing, REF compliance, copyright, or retaining the rights over their research, they are invited to come along.
The aim of the session is to resolve issues using jargon-free demos and a relaxed Q-and-A format.
Research development
Rights Retention workshop
Rights Retention is a mechanism that enables authors to maintain ownership and dissemination rights over works they have created. This supersedes any publisher claims of ownership and empowers publishing researchers who are without funding for dissemination. The session focuses on the University of Suffolk Rights Retention Policy Pilot; the benefits, the process, and how staff can opt in.
Principal Investigator roles, rights and responsibilities
The workshop is designed to explore the crucial role of the Principal Investigator as both a leader and a manager within a research project. Being a PI extends far beyond conducting research; it involves overseeing a wide range of responsibilities that are vital to the success and integrity of the project. The session will cover essential aspects of leadership, from navigating pre- and post-award obligations to recruiting and managing a dynamic research team. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the PI’s responsibilities in ensuring that projects are properly structured, funded, and run while maintaining ethical and operational standards.
Research co-production, PPI, and partnerships
The workshop aims to explore ways to better engage individuals from across our communities in research, with the goal of potentially creating a community of practice. This engagement can take many forms, from participating in research, helping design research materials and incentives, to co-designing projects and even co-delivering research as active co-researchers. This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to learn from one another and share insights into what we can offer in the co-production space. It will focus on creating a collaborative environment where participants can engage in discussions about the concept of co-production, its practical applications, and its potential for growth.
Understanding critical data literacy workshop
Data literacy is normally understood as a set of abilities to read, understand, create, and communicate data as information. Much like literacy as a general concept, data literacy focuses on the competencies involved in working with data. However, data literacy can be also understood as a means to participate in the (data field) society, thus the skills needed to work with data go beyond technicalities and have a strong social component and therefore need to be grounded on the overarching principles of data ethics and human rights. This workshop aims to familiarise researchers with a set of data skills that may help them work with data at management and research levels, while being aware of the potential impact of data on individuals and the society, thus handling data within an ethical and critical framework.
QuestionPro staff training
QuestionPro is a GDPR-compliant survey software; a digital tool that enables you to design, send and analyse online surveys. It is a leading survey software which enables users to add multiple question types, logic, and personalised branding. Single sign-on is in place, so you can access the platform when logged in with your University credentials at this link: QuestionPro. This session will aim to ensure that staff are confident in using this software.
Introduction to Open Science workshop
Open Science represents a new approach to the scientific process based on cooperative work and new ways of diffusing knowledge by using digital technologies and new collaborative tools. The OECD defines Open Science as: ‘to make the primary outputs of publicly funded research results — publications and the research data — publicly accessible in digital format with no or minimal restriction,’ but it is more than that. Open Science is about extending the principles of openness to the whole research cycle, fostering
Research development
sharing and collaboration as early as possible, thus entailing a systemic change to the way science and research is done. This workshop aims at showcasing the overarching principles and methodologies to enhance scientific practices according with the UNESCO recommendations for Open Science.
Research project management
This workshop offers an introduction to the fundamentals of managing research projects and the tools that can help with planning and tracking progress. The session is designed for those involved in research and aims to equip participants with practical strategies for effective project planning and management. Participants will explore the basics of the project planning process, learn how to establish productive working relationships with stakeholders, and understand the project life cycle as it relates to research. Additionally, the workshop will introduce key project management tools to help ensure smooth project delivery and successful outcomes.
Managing workload and finding space to research
This workshop is designed to help researchers manage their workload more effectively while creating dedicated time for research. Participants will reflect on their long, medium, and shortterm priorities, analysing how their current time allocation aligns with these goals. They will also learn simple, yet effective, time-management techniques to maximise productivity and develop a personalised action plan to maintain efficient work routines. By the end of the session, participants will leave with practical strategies to balance their responsibilities and carve out more focused time for research.
Connecting research and policy — driving impact through strategic engagement
Collaboration with UPEN (Universities Policy Engagement Network)
This full-day event is designed to explore how academic research can effectively influence policymaking and drive meaningful societal impact through strategic engagement. In collaboration with the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), the event will bring together academics, policy professionals, and external stakeholders to discuss the importance of connecting research with policy agendas. The day will feature interactive sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities, focusing on how researchers can position their work to inform policy development, build relationships with policymakers, and communicate complex ideas to non-specialist audiences. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools for enhancing their policy engagement strategies and maximising the impact of their research on societal challenges.
PGR supervision online training
This training is designed to provide an in-depth overview of key aspects of PGR (Postgraduate Research) supervision, offering a comprehensive guide for academic staff involved in doctoral supervision. The training will begin by exploring the role and responsibilities of supervisors, followed by discussions on research plans, annual progress reviews (APRs), and examinations. In the afternoon, the training will focus on current updates, challenges, and opportunities in supervision, and conclude with a session on sharing best practices. This interactive training will equip participants with valuable insights to enhance the supervision approach and ensure effective support for doctoral students.
Research development
Chairing or being a panel member for PGR annual reviews
This workshop aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively chair or participate as panel members in Postgraduate Research (PGR) annual reviews. It will cover essential aspects of leading or participating in PGR reviews, ensuring that the process is both rigorous and supportive for all stakeholders involved. This session will be mandatory for all staff chairing or participating in APR panels.
Mastering the art of chairing a VIVA — best practice and protocols
The VIVA is a key moment in a doctoral candidate’s journey, assessing their written work, comprehension, and oral communication. As chair, you play a vital role in ensuring the examination process is smooth and fair. This workshop will explore the responsibilities and challenges involved, offering guidance on best practices and protocols to academic staff involved in the doctoral examination process, providing them with the tools and understanding needed to effectively chair a VIVA.
Supporting wellbeing and mental health of PGR students
PGR supervisors play a critical role in fostering not only the academic success of Postgraduate Research students but also their overall wellbeing. This workshop is designed to equip academic staff with essential tools and strategies to support the wellbeing of their students. Recognising the pressures and challenges inherent in doctoral research, this session will provide practical guidance on promoting a healthy work-life balance and ensuring students have access to appropriate resources and support. By enhancing supervisors’ capacity to address wellbeing concerns, this workshop aims to contribute to a more supportive and resilient research environment for PGR students.
Supporting international PGR students
Supervising international Postgraduate Research students presents unique opportunities and challenges, requiring supervisors to be mindful of diverse cultural, academic, and administrative needs. This workshop is designed to equip supervisors with the skills and knowledge to effectively support international students throughout their doctoral journey. From navigating language barriers and adapting communication styles to understanding cultural differences in research approaches, supervisors will gain valuable insights into fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Additionally, the session will cover essential administrative aspects, such as visa compliance and legal obligations, ensuring supervisors can guide their students smoothly through these processes.
Identifying the right funding opportunities — research professional
This introductory workshop will guide researchers through the process of identifying and evaluating potential funding sources relevant to their disciplines. Participants will learn how to navigate databases, interpret funding calls, and assess which opportunities align with their research goals. The session will also cover how to stay informed about upcoming calls and deadlines.
Grant-writing workshop for Health and Allied Health Sciences
The workshop would be suitable for anyone who is likely to write a substantial grant proposal (a responsive mode UKRI project grant proposal, a fellowship application or a Wellcome Trust grant). The workshop will be geared primarily towards BBSRC responsive-mode proposals, but much of the content will be generally applicable to other funding schemes. The workshop will include presentations on the entire process of grant writing, from generating ideas to handling success or failure.
Research development
Enhancing grant-writing skills for arts and humanities researchers
This workshop is designed to build capacity for grant writing, specifically tailored for arts and humanities researchers. It aims to support staff members at varying levels of experience in preparing competitive grant applications. For those making their first applications, the session will provide foundational training, covering key aspects of grant writing, from identifying funding opportunities to developing a compelling proposal. For more experienced staff, the workshop will offer an opportunity to refine their skills and collaborate with peers through a culture of workshopping and group writing. This collective approach will focus on improving the effectiveness of applications and fostering a supportive environment for knowledge sharing and feedback. Whether new to grant writing or looking to improve your applications, this workshop offers valuable insights and peer support to help you succeed.
Conversation Analysis Colloquium
There is a small concentration of known practitioners in Conversation Analysis (CA) at universities in the East of England. However, there is no forum nor dedicated provision offered by a university in the East of England that is expressly designed to foster cross-institutional regional collaboration in the service of CA praxis and knowledge exchange. In this respect, the East of England is underserved relative to neighbouring regions. As a first effort at regional integration, this event would be small in the quantity of delegates and modest in ambition; specifically, a small group of known CA practitioners from universities in the East of England would be invited to attend to present their research, to host a data session, and/or to provide an overview of their CA curriculum.
Specific personnel would be invited from each of the following institutions:
University of Cambridge
University of Essex
University of Suffolk
Anglia Ruskin University
University of Hertfordshire
University of Bedfordshire
University of East Anglia
The aim of this first inaugural event is knowledge exchange; materially, it is designed to forge new and/or strengthen existing ties between the participating universities across the region. More ambitiously, were the colloquium to prove beneficial for delegates, and, crucially, productive, it would furnish a compelling mandate for formalising an East of England CA Network — one that is designed to integrate and serve CA practitioners and students across the region and one which the University of Suffolk could offer active and qualified representation/steer.
AI Infrastructure and Data Protection: Information Security Essentials
Led by Dr. Domenic Lofù, an expert in computer security and cryptography from the Polytechnic University of Bari, Italy.
This two-day course will cover critical topics in modern information security, including the foundations of cryptography, secure systems, and innovative AI-enhanced security measures along with privacy-preserving technologies. Through interactive sessions and real-world case studies, participants will gain practical knowledge and tools to address the challenges of data protection in today’s AI-driven landscape.
Whether you are an advanced student, researcher, or academic professional, this course offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of information security and explore cutting-edge techniques to safeguard AI infrastructures.
Early Career Researcher series of events
2024–2025
The Early Career Researcher (ECR) Lunch Talk series is a professional development initiative designed to provide a supportive and collaborative environment for Early Career Researchers at the University of Suffolk. These informal events aim to foster interdisciplinary discussions, facilitate networking, enhance research skills, and address the unique challenges faced by ECRs in academia. The programme includes a variety of topics ranging from research methodologies and funding applications to career development and mental wellbeing.
Programme outline
November 2024 Lunch Talk event
Research pitch lunch
Participants prepare a three-to-five-minute pitch of their research to present over lunch and, after each pitch, the group can provide feedback, ask questions, and discuss potential collaborations
Developing communication skills, particularly the ability to explain research clearly and concisely to a broad audience, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration
December 2024 Lunch Talk event
Navigating the transition from PhD to ECR
This session will explore the challenges of moving from PhD student to ECR, offering practical advice on adjusting to new expectations, developing research independence, and managing new academic responsibilities
January 2025 Lunch Talk event
Research skills swap lunch
Participants will identify research skills they are proficient in and those they wish to learn
Over lunch, participants can find peers with complementary skills and arrange to exchange knowledge or even start skill-sharing groups
February 2025 Lunch Talk event
Work-life balance panel discussion
Panel of researchers at different career stages to discuss how they maintain work-life balance, including topics like time management, dealing with stress, and setting boundaries
A Q-and-A session following the panel
Early Career Research
March 2025 Lunch Talk event
Grant-writing tips and tricks
A lunch where experienced researchers and research office colleagues share insights on successful grant writing, followed by a discussion where Early Career Researchers can share their own experiences and challenges
April 2025 Lunch Talk event
Failure stories lunch
A safe space where researchers can share stories of failures or setbacks in their careers and a discussion on what they learned from those experiences and how they moved forward
May 2025 Lunch Talk event
Mental health and wellbeing in research
This session will focus on mental health challenges that ECRs may face and provide tools for maintaining wellbeing in a demanding academic environment
June 2025 Lunch Talk event
Collaborative proposal brainstorming
Participants will bring ideas for research proposals and work in small groups to refine them, sharing suggestions, identifying potential collaborators, and receiving feedback from their peers