Open research is a tough nut to crack. Here’s how we can get startedInvestment, training and incentives are required if the sector is going to rise to the challenge of truly embracing open researchMarcus Munafò, Neil JacobsUniversity of Bristol, UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN)
Five steps for engaging policymakers with researchFive pointers to help researchers get policymakers interested in their work, based on a guide co-created by government and academics from the University of LeedsBen WalmsleyUniversity of Leeds, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Does the UK need an observatory for university engagement with policymakers?Any such project would need to guard against numerous pitfalls, but the benefits in terms of bringing together various initiatives and engendering new skills could be greatJonathan Breckon , Sarah Chaytor , Kayleigh Renberg-Fawcett Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE), Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), University College London
Knowledge transfer partnerships: a guide to doing them well Advice on running a successful knowledge transfer partnership, based on the experience of James Selfe and Jim Richards co-developing a portable rehabilitation device for sports injuriesJames Selfe, Jim RichardsManchester Metropolitan University, University of Central Lancashire
What is the secret to leading a successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)?Knowledge Transfer Partnerships between academics and businesses can result in innovative products and services. Tony Leslie offers 10 pointers on how to increase the likelihood of making these collaborations a successTony LeslieUniversity of the West of Scotland
Make a difference: collaboration and participation in arts-led researchArtists can’t solve the world’s problems, but they are well placed to ask questions that enable ideas and creativity to emerge. And the local knowledge of communities holds a wealth of answers, writes Loraine LeesonLoraine LeesonMiddlesex University
How campus layout influences social ties and research exchangeShorter distances between departments and offices can boost communication and exchange. But proximity is not the only way that campus design influences interactions among the university communityAndres SevtsukMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
What does ‘strengthen research capacity’ actually mean, and how can we do it?Leaders of research consortia face a difficult task in carrying out research and improving research capacity, but embedding a specialist team to make recommendations provides great gainsImelda Bates , Justin Pulford , Lorelei Silvester Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Lessons from completing an award-winning knowledge transfer projectEight key components of a successful knowledge transfer project (KTP), drawing from the experience of an award-winning initiative to develop an online teaching platform for primary care cliniciansRachel McCrindle, Richard Mitchell, Yota DimitriadiUniversity of Reading
The fundamentals of successful student knowledge exchangeWhat basics must be considered in order to build a successful student knowledge exchange project? Sharon Ingram shares insight based on supporting a student-led chemistry consultancySharon IngramUniversity of Strathclyde
How to improve the public understanding of evidenceThe ability to critically analyse information and differentiate fact from fiction is a skill needed far beyond higher education. So how can academics trained in evaluating evidence engage the wider public in this important process?Rebecca DeweyUniversity of Nottingham, Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
Playing to our strengths: how HE can benefit from shared edtechToo many inter-institutional collaborations are derailed due to a false belief that institutions’ tech infrastructures are too dissimilar, says John Miles John MilesInkpath
The formula for a successful knowledge exchange programmeTips on how to create a successful knowledge exchange programme that fosters a truly collaborative culture, from Milan Radosavljevic Milan RadosavljevicUniversity of the West of Scotland
Three big ideas to ensure research helps shape the future of businessHigh-quality scientific research and the values it encapsulates, such as a focus on empirical evidence over opinion, must be used to help business for years to comeAndrew StephenUniversity of Oxford
Tackling climate change requires university, government and industry collaboration – here’s howUniversities must work with government and industry to drive climate action. Anna Skarbek outlines key principles that should shape the approachAnna SkarbekMonash University, Climateworks Centre
Want your research to have an impact on policy? Know your audiencePoliticians are novices by design, so tailoring your communications with them gives you the best chance of cutting through, says David R. GarciaDavid R. GarciaArizona State University
How to work with Forage to implement virtual internshipsBen Powell provides tips and reflections on how universities can improve student employability using Forage, a free online platform offering a range of virtual internship programmes Ben PowellUniversity of Westminster
Professors who ‘practise what they preach’ help humanise research managementThere is a need in academia for professors to match teaching and research with professional practice – and be fairly compensated for itJames MeredithColorado State University Global
How to facilitate the small changes in teaching that make a big differenceThrough their podcast, Alastair Stark and Sebastian Kaempf champion the ‘sandwich conversations’ between colleagues that lead to impactful incremental shifts in teaching practiceAlastair Stark, Sebastian KaempfThe University of Queensland
Five tips for using design thinking to transform your academic practiceJenny Moffett explains how embracing design thinking may offer ways to combat academic perfectionism and develop vital skills for navigating uncertain pathsJenny MoffettRCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Why interdisciplinarity is just like a fantasy role-playing gameWho’s the barbarian? Which one’s the wizard? Lorena Quilantán García offers practical advice on embarking upon your very own interdisciplinary hero questLorena Quilantán García Monterrey Institute of Technology
We must rethink PhDs to smash barriers and ensure bioscience successRedesigning PhD training will help develop commercially savvy researchers, address skills gaps in UK bioscience and bolster innovation, say Simon Cook and Derek JonesSimon Cook, Derek JonesBabraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus
Dragon’s zen: how to handle the jump from HE to a commercial ventureThe learning curve is steep when leaving academia for an entrepreneurial adventure. John Miles outlines what to expect and says the skills you learned as a researcher can helpJohn MilesInkpath
Creating equitable research partnerships across continentsShabbar Jaffar provides tips for successful international collaborations built on trust, appropriate recognition and inclusiveness in decision-makingShabbar JaffarLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine
How thought leadership can build your institution’s reputation onlineWill Harvey explains how institutions can use research proactively to enhance the perception of their capabilities and characterWill HarveyUniversity of Exeter
Equal research partnerships are a myth – but we can change thatThe movement for decolonising universities should also be applied to research ‘partnerships’ and their unequal balance of power, say Faith Mkwananzi and Melis CinFaith Mkwananzi , Melis CinUniversity of the Free State, Lancaster University
Online CPD is one pandemic innovation worth fighting forLet’s not waste this opportunity to make development broader and more inclusive using the lessons of the past 18 months, says Chris HeadleandChris HeadleandUniversity of Lincoln