Embracing disagreement in research co-productionCo-producing a research project is not all consensus and harmony, so these four tips will guide research collaborators in how to allow and enable disagreements and dissenting voices Gary HickeyUniversity of Southampton
Using knowledge graphs to integrate social media into business studies curriculaKnowledge graph-based tools can support group-based learning in online learning platforms to help educators transform the content of their formal coursesFouad ZablithAmerican University of Beirut
Five questions to consider when embedding cultural competency for internationalisationCultural competency involves seeing the world through the lens of other people, across race, gender and age barriers, among others. Shuangyu Li outlines the five questions to ask when embedding itShuangyu LiKing's College London
We must acknowledge our positionality to inclusively engage the communityThe work that can lead to change involves building relationships and understanding, and developing and sharing knowledge in partnership with our communities. Put simply, community engagement must engage the community, writes Nilufar AhmedNilufar AhmedUniversity of Bristol
School visits are a triple-win for academics, schools and societyFor researchers, taking science into the community is an opportunity to hone communication skills, increase impact and enthuse children to pursue their own university studies, writes Ben Kennedy. Plus, it’s funBen KennedyTe Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
An introvert’s guide to networkingFor academics, networking can greatly enhance your career. But if the very idea fills you with dread, Yalinu Poya offers her advice for putting yourself out thereYalinu PoyaUniversity of the West of Scotland
Bridging the communication gap between administrators and facultyAcademics who understand the needs and priorities of administrative staff will work more effectively – and vice versa. Everybody wins, writes Catherine LégluCatherine LégluUniversity of Luxembourg
What should universities focus on when communicating with the next UK government?Advice for universities on communication strategies that will push their need for policy action up the next government agenda Joe MarshallNational Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB)
‘It falls to us to tell our universities’ stories. Here’s how’There has been little mention of higher education during the UK general election campaign, so it falls to university leaders to make sure their stories are heard, writes Jane HarringtonJane Harrington University of Greenwich , University Alliance
Why visible senior leadership in sustainability mattersSuccessful or sustainable? Is this the biggest challenge that universities face when striving to reduce their carbon footprint? Jan Evans-Freeman explains where leadership fits into the equation Jan Evans-Freeman Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Research shouldn’t cause trauma – let’s find a better wayHow can we conduct research and share results without affecting the well-being of those around us? Eileen Harkess-Murphy advocates for a trauma-informed approach Eileen Harkess-MurphyUniversity of the West of Scotland
How can universities make their case to a new government?Three key considerations to convincingly showcase the value of universities to a new government inundated by competing prioritiesHamir PatelRussell Group
Regional place-makers: how to demonstrate the economic and societal value of higher educationHigher education institutions should build a strong regional presence, addressing local issues, then find innovative ways to demonstrate their impact to the public and policymakers, writes Anthony McClaranAnthony McClaranSt Mary’s University Twickenham , GuildHE
The making of: turning a research project into a documentaryTo get your research findings into as many hands as possible, consider filming a documentary. James Layton, Paul Tucker and Bettina Talbot offer their adviceJames Layton, Paul Tucker, Bettina TalbotUniversity of the West of Scotland
Creating inclusive spaces for inclusive eventsInclusivity efforts must go beyond physical accessibility to include how events are advertised and who is consulted and invited to speak, write Meredith Wilkinson and Leanne de Main. Here they offer eight practical ways to make shared spaces welcoming for allMeredith Wilkinson, Leanne de MainDe Montfort University
Master the art of online and in-person interviewing Interviewing experts is a key part of scientific research, so it’s important to hone your skills. Mahra Haitham Al Hosani and Mariam Shadan provide eight tips – and three things to avoidMahra Haitham Al Hosani, Mariam ShadanDubai Medical College for Girls
THE podcast: what does the UK election mean for higher education?Does the UK general election offer a ray of hope for the beleaguered university sector? Two higher education policy experts give their take on what university leaders can do to make a case for the sector and how a new parliament might tackle hot topics such as international students and research funding Nick Hillman, Diana BeechHigher Education Policy Institute, London Higher
Seven structural changes to help bring Indigenous perspectives into curriculaImpermanence of resources, priorities and personnel makes curriculum reform a challenge. Here, Kirstie Smith and Simon Young offer strategies based on their experience in a regional law schoolKirstie Smith , Simon Young University of Southern Queensland
Fulfilling a mission and serving Indigenous studentsUniversities can do much to support Indigenous students, strengthening the institution’s community, increasing visibility and highlighting the needs of Native Nations students and faculty through deliberate action, writes Melissa Faircloth Melissa FairclothVirginia Tech
Change in higher education is hard, but not impossibleTransformational change requires something closer to the culture of a start-up, which pilots and tests new ideas, takes risks and prizes creative disruption, writes Brian Rosenberg Brian RosenbergMacalester College
What you can do today for a meaningful Pride MonthFear of being tokenistic, or feeling they don’t know enough to start, can stop many people from engaging with queer inclusion. Here, Brooke Szücs offers first steps towards allyship Brooke SzücsThe University of Queensland
How can we train our students to be better communicators?Introducing small departmental communication programmes can help students improve writing and presentation skills without overburdening faculty or requiring massive curriculum changesCarl FollmerUniversity of Iowa
Non-verbal cues: learn how to use them effectively in teacher-student communicationIf the end goal is to get students interested in the learning process, these non-verbal cues used in teacher-student communication can enable you to build trust and enhance your impact as a teacher and a communicator, writes Shruthi V. Shetty Shruthi V ShettyManipal Academy of Higher Education
Four ways to cultivate an engaged social media community When it comes to social media, don’t forget the power of connection. Paul Shannon and Andrew Murray outline four ways to engage with your audience Paul Shannon, Andrew MurrayUniversity of the West of Scotland
Want to foster community and give your students a voice? Start bloggingFrom educators to students, blogging is a vital social infrastructure for the higher education community. Michael Taster and Rosemary Deller offer their tipsMichael Taster, Rosemary DellerThe London School of Economics and Political Science
Uncovering Indigenous insights: let’s research togetherMeaningful engagement with Indigenous communities requires researchers to shift away from conventional methodologies and towards more collaborative and participatory approaches. Here, Sarah Wiki-Bennett shares six key tenetsSarah Wiki-BennettTe Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD studentEntering the postgraduate sphere is a whole new ball game. Shaif Uddin Ahammed shows how to hone a PhD mindsetShaif Uddin AhammedUniversity of the West of Scotland
Encourage civic participation by championing free speech Instead of shying away from the challenges it presents, let’s embrace free speech as an opportunity for learning, growth and the continuous evolution of our academic spaces, writes Shubha HSShubha HSManipal Academy of Higher Education
Community-engaged research can give a voice to marginalised peopleOur biggest challenges cannot be resolved by ‘expert’ research alone – community knowledge is essential. Tara Mahoney and Scott Neufeld argue that researchers should let communities set the agendaTara Mahoney, Scott NeufeldSimon Fraser University
Four ways to defeat public speaking anxietyEven experienced academics can get anxious before public speaking. Fikrican Kayıkçı suggests four ways to approach speeches with confidenceFikrican Kayıkçı Near East University
Taming anxiety around public speakingPublic speaking is a skill that inspires dread in many: fear of judgement, of making mistakes, of facing unpredictable circumstances. Here, Patty Raun draws on her experience as an actor to share tips for quelling the anxietyPatricia RaunVirginia Tech
What’s the key to collaborations between HE and industry? Analytical testing servicesAnalytical testing services can revolutionise collaboration between universities and industries. Imtias Amir Bahauddin explains howImtias Amir BahauddinUniversiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Practical ways to ease presentation nervesOne way to offset public-speaking anxiety is to have confidence in your presentation. Brandi Quesenberry shares the keys to making your presentation shine and ensuring that it is memorable, impactful and successfulBrandi QuesenberryVirginia Tech
The everyday tools you can use to alleviate public speaking anxietyResearch shows that people regard death as less terrifying than public speaking. Thomas Duke offers three ways to speak with confidenceThomas DukeNazarbayev University
Maximise your research impact through interdisciplinary collaborationWhat’s the best way to achieve research impact? Qingyan Chen makes the case for an interdisciplinary approachQingyan ChenThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
How to train world-champion cardiologistsCompetition, cooperation and continuity in talent support play integral roles in training and preparing medical professionals, and improving patient care, write three cardiologistsGellér László, Zoltán Salló, Nándor SzegediSemmelweis University
Student communication: a compassionate approachCompassionate student communication that ensures engagement is personal and unique to each student could enhance the university experienceJames GrayKortext
How can we take research from the lab to the marketplace?When getting the products of your research into the hands of the people who need them, challenges arise. Vorathin Epin, Ibham Veza, Mazian Mohammad and Abdul Rahim Othman offer advice on how to overcome themIbham Veza, Abdul Rahim Othman, Vorathin Epin , Mazian MohammadUniversiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
Digital marketing for universities: strategies for successUniversity marketing teams can increase their visibility and attract a diverse applicant pool by using contemporary strategies, writes Archana R. Nayak Archana R. NayakManipal Academy of Higher Education
Effective public-speaking techniques for university facultyUniversity faculty need public-speaking skills when they seek to engage students, collaborate with colleagues, secure funding and further their careers. Patty Raun leverages her skills as a stage actor to help higher education professionals improve their presentation chopsPatricia RaunVirginia Tech
How to make public engagement work for early career academicsAcademics need to be able to translate what they research to engage a wide range of audiences. But to do that, scientists must first find the public engagement shape that fits them and their schedule. Here’s advice for getting startedSien van der Plank, John Duncan, Yanna Fidai University of Southampton, The University of Western Australia, Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Researchers need support to change the world – here’s how to provide itTo generate world-changing research, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Research and Innovation Office took on the role of fostering collaboration and allocation of resources to allow their academics to focus completely on their work. Lixin Situ outlines how to provide support.Lixin SituThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Using storybooks to share research with a wider audienceStorybooks offer a collegial method of sharing research findings beyond the peer-reviewed journals of academia – and putting it in the hands of the people who can best use the information, write Dominic Petronzi, Dean Fido and Rebecca PetronziDominic Petronzi , Dean Fido, Rebecca Petronzi University of Derby
The library’s role in digital education: content is still kingUniversity libraries have a huge opportunity to evolve and strengthen their roles. To do this, they must demonstrate the value of their digital content by promoting the use of their digital collections to engage, inspire and enhance learningJosé Vladimir Burgos Aguilar Monterrey Institute of Technology
As librarians, we should embrace open researchOpen access represents a new opportunity, and librarians are ideally placed to implement it. Nazarbayev University’s library team offers their advice Jerald Cavanagh, Darya Zvonareva, Monika Bukowska, April Manabat, Yelizaveta Kamilova Nazarbayev University
Pledges and charters in medical schools: catalysts for change or performative promises?Pledges demonstrating support in addressing issues such as racism and misogyny will often garner interest and may even attract pockets of funding. But they also risk oversimplifying complex problems, writes Lois Haruna-CooperLois Haruna-Cooper University College London
THE podcast bonus episode: an interview with Kathryn Sikkink, Ryan Family professor of human rights policy at Harvard Kennedy SchoolHuman rights scholar and award-winning author Kathryn Sikkink talks about her work with the Harvard Votes Challenge, how young people are more savvy about misinformation than older generations and why, in this year of elections, democracy needs protection Kathryn SikkinkHarvard University
THE podcast: how to turn university students into engaged citizens – and votersPolitical scientists, in the US and the UK, discuss how universities can support Generation Z to engage with the democratic process, how to foster safe and open political discussion and why voting is like bungee jumpingElizabeth C. Matto, Michael BruterRutgers University, The London School of Economics and Political Science
Steps to take to encourage more support for public engagement in researchBy fostering a culture in which public engagement is not just encouraged but embedded into the fabric of academic life, institutions can leave a lasting impact on both the scholarly community and the world at largeLyn R. KeithThe University of the West Indies
‘Strengthening institution-wide commitment to trans inclusion is more important than ever’Guidance for museums, galleries and heritage has insight for universities as they prepare to bolster freedom of speech, write four academicsSuzanne MacLeod, Richard Sandell , Sharon Cowan, E-J ScottUniversity of Leicester, The University of Edinburgh, University of the Arts London