In January 2023 I launched the Research Adjacent podcast. The podcast shares stories and strategies to help people understand and navigate research-adjacent careers. New episodes are released every Tuesday.
I use ‘research-adjacent’ to describe all kinds of roles which are part of the research ecosystem, but don’t actually do research. This work is incredibly important, but often unacknowledged and undervalued. I started the podcast because I wanted people doing these roles to get more recognition and credit. I also wanted to share the diverse range of fantastic career opportunities which allow people to contribute to world-changing research in a way that suits their skills and aspirations.
I currently do everything related to the podcast – I host it, edit the recordings, mix the audio, write the show notes, create the graphics and promote it on social media.
Feedback on the podcast has been hugely positive. People who work in these roles have described feeling ‘seen’ for the first time. Careers professionals are using it as a resource for PhD students and early career researchers considering alternative career options. Others are embracing the term research-adjacent to describe what they do. Research-adjacent people are finding each other and forming supportive networks.
Feedback on the Research Adjacent podcast
“It’s so lovely to hear about different people’s experiences, goals, challenges, etc., and you have a fabulous manner. I feel like I’m joining you and your interviewee on the sofa with a nice cup of tea and some cake!”
“Just listened to the first episode. I feel seen!! Completely agree about the term “professional” and being in this odd third space. Looking forward to listening to the rest of the series”
“I was speaking to someone whose new to the sector who loves this podcast – she said she’s finally found a podcast which speaks to all of the things she is experiencing and it helps her not feel alone as her role is so isolated!”
“You are fantastic! And the podcast is such a wonderful and inspiring resource! Thank you so much for making it for all the sector – giving us a voice and sense of unity. Aware how much time and work goes into these things and please do know how appreciated it is!”
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