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On Tuesday 17 June 2025, the University hosted its first Research Culture Connect-Fest, the first of a new series of events designed to celebrate the work taking place across the university associated with building and enhancing our research culture. More than 60 staff from across the university, including research and academic staff, PGR students, and Professional Service staff, came together to hear from and explore a range of projects and initiatives currently being undertaken to ensure our research culture is inclusive and successful.

The ‘Advancing an Inclusive Research Culture’ Connect-Fest event aimed to provide an interactive and engaging opportunity for attendees to explore a range of areas, as well as providing practical tips. The event featured presentations from UoP and external contributors, as well as action-focused discussions and networking, all with the aim of progressing an inclusive research culture at the University.

"Every aspect of the event has been so insightful, educative and enlightening." - Connect-Fest attendee.

After an introduction and overview of the day by Dr Darren Van Laar and Prof Nigel Williams, five rapid-fire good practice projects were showcased. These presentations featured topics such as Embracing Neurodiversity in Research, Emphasising a Positive Researcher Community and Career Development for Diverse Staff. Following a short break, participants chose from five Action Labs to engage in small-group discussions designed to explore and develop new ideas for building inclusive research practices. Discussions included Supporting Women Researchers, Celebrating Neurodivergence, and PGR Wellbeing and resulting themes and ideas from this part of the day will be taken forward to inform planning of future events, projects and resources.

"[The most useful or interesting aspect of this event was] getting to know about neurodiversity and University's effort to bridge the gap". - Connect-Fest attendee.

Attendees then heard from two external keynote speakers, Dr Mahima Mitra, a Senior Lecturer in Organisation Studies at the University of Oxford Saïd Business School and Hannah Arnold, the Head of Media and Content within the Communications and Engagement team at the John Innes Centre. Speaking on the subjects of Inclusion in Academic Careers and Understanding, Valuing, and Celebrating Neurodiversity, the two speakers engaged the participants and left them with valuable insights and fresh perspectives. The Q&A session with all speakers, enabled participants to understand the issues in their own contexts. The final speakers included Ebi Sosseh and Prof Nigel Williams who gave final reflections on the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in enhancing our research culture and how the discussions from the event will be taken forward.

Over lunch, attendees had the opportunity to further discuss themes arising from the morning’s sessions and connect with colleagues from across the University.

"I really valued both keynote speaker presentations and the Action Labs. The overall format of the day was unique and effective". - Connect-Fest attendee.