

Bookings for the 2025 Research Staff Conference are now closed. We’re all full up!
You can download a copy of the conference pack by clicking the button below.
Annual Research Staff Conference
The Research Staff Conference is a free annual event designed to support the career development of research staff through a range of workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Held in partnership with the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University, the conference provides a unique space for researchers to connect, share insights, and gain practical skills. Lunch is provided, and we’re grateful to our partners at Salford and MMU for their collaboration in planning and delivering this valuable experience for research staff across the region.
2025 Research Staff Conference: Futureproof Your Career – Collaboration, Development, and Sustainability
This year’s Research Staff Conference is all about equipping researchers with the skills, connections, and strategies they need to thrive in an ever-evolving research landscape. Themed Futureproof Your Career: Collaboration, Development, and Sustainability, the event brings together researchers and academics from the University of Manchester, Salford, and Manchester Metropolitan University for a day packed with panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
When: Wednesday, 15th January 2025
Where: Core Technology Facility, 46 Grafton St, Manchester M13 9WU (Core Technology Facility | AccessAble)
Time: 09:30 – 16:00
Tickets: Book Your Place Here
New this year: we’re thrilled to be launching the Greater Manchester Researcher Development Buddy Scheme at the conference! This cross-institutional initiative, open to all postdocs and early career researchers from the University of Manchester, University of Salford, and Manchester Metropolitan University, offers a chance to expand your network and feel part of a wider research community. Whether you’re a conference attendee or not, this scheme provides a supportive way to connect with researchers across the region, exchange ideas, and enhance your experience as an early-career researcher.
Conference Schedule
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We look forward to welcoming you to a day of learning, networking, and future-focused career planning.
Special thanks to our collaborators from the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University for their invaluable support in delivering this event.
Images in Research Competition “Sustainability in Research”
In line with the ‘Futureproof Your Career’ theme, we invite research staff to share an image that captures the innovative spirit of your work. Showcase your research in a way that fits the “Sustainability in Research” theme and what that means to you.
Please submit no later than Friday 10th January.
If you have any questions contact resdev@manchester.ac.uk.
Entries shortlisted by the Researcher Development team will be displayed during the conference (and here on the website), where attendees can vote for their favourite. A winner will be announced at the end of the day, earning a Love2Shop voucher!
- People’s Choice: Winner- £45 Runner up – £25
- Judges Choice: Winner £45
How to Take Part
We’re inviting you to showcase your work in our Research Staff Conference Image Competition!
To participate:
1. Download and complete both forms:
2. Email the completed forms and your image to resdev@manchester.ac.uk by 10th January 2025.
Image Requirements:
- File size must be 200kb or smaller (for use on our website).
- Ensure the image is clear, high-quality, and relevant to your research.
- Include a title (max 100 characters) in your application form to explain your image.
Competition Images coming soon!
Past Events
Explore the Workshops
Narrative CVs
Funders are increasingly experimenting with narrative CV formats, where, rather than simply listing your achievements and publications, you are asked to describe the process of how you got to these.
This interactive workshop will explain the background and purpose behind this new CV format, what to include in either team or individual CVs, how to evidence your skills and experience, and the common pitfalls to be aware of. It will get you started with writing a narrative CV and give you a takeaway plan for completion.
The workshop is aimed at researchers at any career stage, promoting discussion and reflection on the types of roles, activities, networks, contributions or experiences that people might discuss within the CV, depending on their unique circumstances and backgrounds. The workshop is interactive and will involve peer discussion as well as presentations.
Facilitator: Dr Elizabeth Adams, SCAFELL COACHING LTD
Interdisciplinary speed networking
Are you looking to expand your research horizons and spark innovative ideas? This workshop is an opportunity to connect with researchers from various disciplines, gain new perspectives, and discover collaborative opportunities that can enhance the impact and scope of your work. The session will provide guidance on how to make the most of your interactions with other researchers. You will also have the opportunity to engage in dynamic 5-minute discussions with researchers from across the three Universities, sharing insights on your current research focus, methodologies, challenges, real-world applications, and collaboration needs.
Facilitator: Dr Anne Marie Sowerbutts, Researcher Development Officer, The University of Manchester.
Grant Writing Reimagined
- Gain a foundation in AI and its potential to enhance grant writing
- Explore the use of AI to create persuasive and impactful stories for funding proposals
- Learn to generate high-quality application drafts swiftly, allowing more time for refining and strategic planning
Join our engaging 1- hour seminar, ” Grant Writing Reimagined: Unlocking Success with AI Innovations” and discover how generative AI can transform your funding proposals. Achieve more with AI assisted drafting and editing, freeing up time for strategic focus. Be at the forefront of innovation by integrating AI into your grant writing process.
Who’s it for: Researchers, academics and grant writers who aim to elevate their application success rates using cutting-edge AI technology.
Facilitator: Dr Glyn Morris, Engagement with Impact.
Maximizing Your Research Impact
Maximizing Your Research Impact: Creating and Managing Online Profiles
Having a strong online presence is crucial for researchers to enhance their visibility, share their work, and connect with the global academic community.
This session will discuss the importance of online profiles and provide an overview of popular platforms such as ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn. As well as tips and best practices for creating comprehensive and engaging profiles that highlight your research, publications, and achievements and help you connect with other researchers, potential collaborators, and funding bodies.
By the end of this session, participants will have the tools and knowledge to create and maintain effective online profiles that enhance their professional visibility and impact.