Hello there, I’m Sarah McLusky

I believe that research can make the world a better place. But for research to have impact, it needs to reach the people who can benefit from it. Getting people together – really together, not just in the same room – is one of the most powerful things we can do to make research more impactful. But it takes more than a venue and an agenda. It takes purpose, planning and facilitation.

Proudly research-adjacent since 1999

I have been ‘research-adjacent’ for over 25 years. I have worked for universities and research projects, science centres and museums, learned societies and education providers. The common thread running throughout my career is making research more accessible and helping other people to do the same. Although my academic background (and PhD) is in plant pathology/biochemistry, I have worked across a huge range of disciplines including all the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences. Along the way, I’ve organised everything from seminars for a handful of researchers, to engagement events with thousands of attendees. I’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t.

Gathering with purpose

I’m not an events industry generalist. I’ve spent my career immersed the research world. I understand the power dynamics at play. I understand the pressures on researchers and research professionals who are organising events on top of everything else they do. And I understand how to design gatherings that feel right for the research world. Gatherings that are intellectually serious, genuinely inclusive, and worth everyone’s time. I create and hold spaces where people can share what they care about, connect with each other, and feel seen.

That drive to help people connect and feel seen led me to start the Research Adjacent podcast in 2023. I interview a wide variety of research professionals who do amazing work that contributes to research and research impact. It has also spawned a community for research-adjacent freelancers and a series of networking events.

Where in the world am I?

I’m originally from Scotland, but I now live in beautiful Whitley Bay in North East England with my partner, daughter, dog and two cats. I am also a yoga teacher, festival go-er, mediocre runner, and occasional sea swimmer. That said, I spend a fair amount of time on trains. I regularly travel for events around the UK and even further afield. I host international events online too.

Connect with me on LinkedIn to see what I’ve been up to lately and hear me talk about my work in these podcasts.

Interested in working with me? Get in touch.