Skills training

Foundations in RRI was a one-day, in-person workshop led by Professor Martin de Heaver of ORBIT RRI, introducing the core concepts, frameworks, and practical application of Responsible Research and Innovation. It was suitable for researchers, academics, professional services staff, and supervisors at any career stage. The programme was interactive and discussion-based, with a strong emphasis on practical application. Researchers worked through real-world examples and group exercises to apply RRI principles to their own research environments. 

Liz Flint ran a two day online programme on how to develop a CPD offer alongside their traditional academic work.

Join Laura Evans-Hill – Director of Nifty Fox Creative and former social researcher – on 11th September for a one-day, hands-on training in visual storytelling that turns insight into real impact.

Laura has worked with over 4,000 researchers across 50 universities worldwide and helped them communicate with confidence. Her work has won national impact awards and now she’s ready to help you do the same.

with Mihaela Gruia, Research Retold - 30th September, 10-1pm, Wates House

Your research deserves to be seen, understood, and acted upon. But without a clear communication plan, even the most ground breaking work can go unnoticed. This dynamic, hands-on workshop helped amplify the reach and real-world influence of Surrey research. 

with Liz Flint from Flint Innovation, 8th July, 10-11am ONLINE

This was a 1 hour taster session with Liz Flint from Flint Innovation, to learn about the benefits of commercialising research findings into a CPD/Training offer. This was an introduction session to give people a flavour of two more in-depth workshops in the next academic year. 

‘Engaging Events’ - Dr Jamie Gallagher Friday 13th June 9.30-12.30pm - ONLINE

Researchers sparked ideas and took their engagement in new directions with this interactive session. We discovered how to create memorable and engaging experiences for the public, learned helpful tips and tools, and were guided through every aspect of event planning, from generating ideas to advertising. We learned about the logistics of running a safe, welcoming, and successful event and how to make the most of research festivals. 

‘Evaluation of Public Engagement’ - Dr Jamie Gallagher - Wednesday 25th June 1-4pm - ONLINE

Successful public engagement can benefit research, researchers, and the public—but how do you go about demonstrating this change? This workshop guided researchers through the best evaluation processes, showing when, why, and, crucially, how to use evaluation to generate reliable and clear data. By mastering these techniques, we supported researchers to demonstrate success to funders, record impact for REF, improve engagement processes, and gain a deeper understanding of the people they are connecting with through public engagement.

Zoe Carroll, Neurodiversity Consultant. 4th June 9.30-4pm, Wates House.

This fun and interactive training workshop equipped academic researchers with the knowledge and tools to embed neuroinclusive practices into their research design, participant recruitment, and communication strategies. They learned how to develop practical strategies for recruiting and retaining neurodiverse participants, boost engagement with neurodiverse communities, and embed neuroinclusive approaches into their current and future funding bids. 

11th June, 1.30-4.30pm ONLINE with NCCPE.

Are you ready to build stronger, more meaningful research partnerships with local communities in Surrey? Join this specialist training workshop, delivered by Dr Glyn Morris and Emily Ahmed from the National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement. Designed to boost confidence in working with community-based organisations and groups, whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your engagement, this workshop will offer practical tools, fresh perspectives, and a supportive environment to grow.

with Marie Ranson, Skillfluence - 26th June 9.30-12.30pm ONLINE

Participants learned how to apply the Design Thinking methodology, a powerful problem-solving framework and toolset. Design Thinking can be applied to develop and implement innovative solutions to real-world challenges  found in university research, industry collaborations and every-day life. 

with David Roylance and Anna Brees, Thursday 12th June 9.30-4.30pm IN PERSON

Researchers joined an exclusive, hands-on training workshop to supercharge their presenting skills, turning their research into powerful, professional video content. By the end of the day, they were recording, editing, fine-tuning, and uploading video content, with the confidence and knowledge to make their research shine across social media and beyond.

with Dr Tamika Heiden. 17th/18th June 09.30-12.30pm ONLINE - Research Impact Academy

Whether applying for grants, reporting to funders, or showcasing work to stakeholders, these comprehensive workshops from the team at the Research Impact Academy helped researchers demystify impact and empowered them to plan strategically, create opportunities, and confidently communicate the value oftheir work.

with Robert Taylor, 30th June 10-12pm, ONLINE

In this highly interactive two-hour session, researchers gained the tools and techniques to handle media interviews with clarity, confidence, and credibility. Whether preparing for a live TV appearance or a press interview, Robert guided them through a range of practical strategies to elevate presence and protect and even enhance their professional reputation.

Dynamic communications expert Duncan Yellowlees joined us for an interactive, high-energy workshop designed to transform the way researchers talk about their research. Staff discovered how storytelling can captivate audiences, boost engagement, and amplify impact, especially when delivering a public engagement event as part of the AHRC Being Human Festival or the ESRC Festival of Social Science.

Researchers joined us for an insightful workshop with Anna Salaman, Public Engagement Consultant, where they learned how to:

✔️ Identify and understand your target audience
✔️ Develop engaging and relevant content
✔️ Effectively communicate your research to different audiences

Anna introduced practical tools and strategies to help researchers define their audience, reach them effectively, and test their content before your event. With extensive experience in content development and visitor engagement at cultural and heritage venues, Anna also works as a Public Engagement Consultant for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK.

Researchers learned about the different types of intellectual property arising from your research and how to test if there is a market for their ideas, and discovered how to find partners and industry collaborators, and explore the different options for setting up a venture as a limited company, a community interest companies (CiC) or a charity. 
 
Roberta Guerrina is Professor in Politics and Director of the Gender Research Centre at the University of Bristol. Her spin-out social venture, Equal In-sight, has been developed from her  EDI research and innovative methodology; the company delivers training and consultancy, and is powered by a technology platform that identifies the gaps in social networks, policy and governance that embed inequalities within organisations. Professor Guerrina shared her fascinating journey from 

Developed by Fast Track Impact, the Institute for Methods Innovation, and the University of Plymouth, this interactive workshop explored the essentials of ethical research impact. Participants gained insights into ethical impact practices, ensuring their research responsibly benefits society and effectively engages diverse relevant parties.