Skills training

For researchers, continuous skills training isn’t just important, it’s the fuel that keeps discovery alive, sharpens innovation, and ensures you're always ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Book an IAA funded workshop with one of the UK's leading trainers and coaches.

Spotlight on Public Engagement 2025!

Storytelling for Researchers

Duncan Yellowlees - Wednesday 14th May 9.30-4pm IN PERSON - Green Room, Wates House

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

Engaging Events!

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

Spark ideas and take your engagement in new directions with this interactive session. Discover how to create memorable and engaging experiences for the public., learn helpful tips and tools, and be guided through every aspect of event planning, from generating ideas to advertising. Learn about the logistics of running a safe, welcoming, and successful event and how to make the most of research festivals.

Evaluating Public Engagement

‘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 will guide you through the best evaluation processes, showing you when, why, and, crucially, how to use evaluation to generate reliable and clear data. By mastering these techniques, you will be able to demonstrate success to funders, record impact for REF, improve your engagement processes, and gain a deeper understanding of the people you are connecting with.

Other Upcoming Workshops

Advancing Research Impact Through Inclusive Thinking

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

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

Engaging Communities and Working Together

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.

Camera Ready! Confident Video Creation for Researchers

with David Roylance and Anna Brees, Thursday 12th June 9.30-4.30pm IN PERSON - Teaching Block 1

Join us for an exclusive, hands-on training workshop to supercharge your presenting skills and turn your research into powerful, professional video content. By the end of the day, you’ll be recording, editing, fine-tuning, and uploading your video content, with the confidence and knowledge to make your research shine across social media and beyond.

Creating, Capturing and Communicating Research Impact

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

Whether you’re applying for grants, reporting to funders, or showcasing your work to stakeholders, these comprehensive workshops from the team at the Research Impact Academy will demystify impact and empower you to plan strategically, create opportunities, and confidently communicate the value of your work

Introduction to Design Thinking

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

Participants learn 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. Booking link will open soon! In the meantime if interested, please email w.salmon@surrey.ac.uk to register.

Media Interview Training

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

In this highly interactive two-hour session, you'll gain the tools and techniques to handle media interviews with clarity, confidence, and credibility. Whether you're preparing for a live TV appearance or a press interview, Robert will guide you through a range of practical strategies to elevate your presence and protect and even enhance your professional reputation.

Communications Planning for Research Impact

with Mihaela Gruia, Research Retold - 2nd July, 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. Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed to help you amplify the reach and real-world influence of your research. Whether you're nearing the end of your project or just getting started, this session will give you the tools to communicate with clarity, purpose, and strategy.

Introduction to Developing a Commercial Offer for CPD/Training

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

Join our 1 hour taster session with Liz Flint from Flint Innovation, to learn about the benefits of commercialising your research findings into a CPD/Training offer. This is an introduction session to give people a flavour of two more in-depth workshops in the next academic year. For more information about registering please email w.salmon@surrey.ac.uk