Upcoming events
The PRISM Network runs events and training activities to support people working in PRISM roles by developing skills, confidence, and shared practice. These activities are designed to respond to needs identified by the community and to support the Network’s wider aims around recognition, progression, and professional development. Past PRISM events and training activities are listed below, with resources linked where available.
All PRISM events are for members only, but membership and training events are free – you can join the Network here. Details of upcoming events and opportunities are shared via the website, PRISM mailing list and LinkedIn group, with sign-up links included in the newsletter. Members are also encouraged to suggest topics and get involved in shaping future activities. Please note that registration for events will close 30 mins before the meeting start time.
Translating EDI Strategy into action with the EDI Hub+
Join Jen Jennings and Lisa Hill of the EPSRC-funded EDI Hub+ to talk all things PRISM and EDI! The hub was funded in 2024 to drive systemic change in the Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) research and innovation system so that it is equitable and inclusive for everyone – irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, or socio-economic status. Jen and Lisa will introduce the resources and activities of the Hub+, and explore how PRISMs in the UK could use the Hub’s resources to drive EDI in the projects and programmes they manage. We'll also explore how PRISMs can benefit from the resources of the Hub+ to promote and support our own career progression, professional development, recognition and belonging. Members only event - join the network to get the signup link via the newsletter.
UKRI’s approach to sustainable research – SPARKHub
Join this session to hear from Martin Farley, UKRI’s associate director of environmental sustainability.
In late 2025 UKRI announced a new environmental sustainability strategy. Part of this strategy outlines how they aim to support the sector with guidance on how to achieve more sustainable research practices through their co-funded website, SPARK Hub (short for the sustainable practice and research knowledge hub). Having been recently softly launched, this session aims to introduce the resource and get feedback on the approach from the PRISM Network. Members only event - join the network to get the signup link via the newsletter.
What is research culture and how the heck do I make change happen?
We will hear from Emily Ennis, Research Culture Manager (University of Leeds), on operationalising culture change as research professionals
In recent years, both Wellcome Trust and Research England have invested heavily in research culture across the sector, with both responsive schemes and QR allocations set up to enhance the environments in which research happens. REF2029 has also invested heavily in the concept of research culture within the newly-defined Strategy, People, and Research Environment component: “Inclusive, supportive and collaborative research cultures enable a strong, diverse and dynamic research ecosystem and will continue to be assessed in REF 2029, building on the criteria of ‘vitality’ used in REF 2021” (REF, ‘Strategy, People, and Research Environment (SPRE) guidance’, 10th December 2025) But what the heck is research culture? And what does it mean to operationalise research culture change at community, institution, and sector level?
This presentation will give a brief snapshot into how research culture change is being effected at University of Leeds, including some of the industry best practice that has shaped and informed how Leeds have undertaken their research culture work. Dr Emily Ennis (Research Culture Manager at University of Leeds) will explore the deep operational and strategic underpinnings to research culture change, including insight into collaborations with: finance, HR, researcher development, research and innovation, research offices, funders, constoria, and more. While the research culture “movement” has been led by some of the loudest voices at the top, strategies need boots on the ground to make that change happen. This talk will explore what it means to be in those operational positions, what this means for us professionally and personally, and (hopefully!) enable us to reflect on the collective work we are all doing to make HEIs and research organisations nicer places to deliver research. Members only event - join the network to get the signup link via the newsletter.
Past events
PRISM Network Strategy 2025-2030
Date: 29 January 2026Summary: An overview of the network’s new strategy to support research strategy and investment professionals, including a summary of the latest PRISM survey results that highlight key themes, needs, and opportunities identified by members across the sector.
Speakers: Poppy Harrison, Isabella von Holstein (committee members).
Mastering CDT Financial Management: A Practical Guide for PRISMs
Summary: Panel discussion on managing finances within a Centre for Doctoral Training, covering budgeting, financial planning, and resource management.
Contributors: Ruth Holman (Ulster University), Vicky Kennedy (University of Edinburgh), Amanda Lane (University of Newcastle), James McKay (University of Leeds), Sandra Rugea (UCL) and Helen Knight (University of WarwickLink: Watch the session here [YouTube, 55 minutes]
PRISM annual conference 2025
Location: University of Warwick and online
Summary: The focus of this event was on ‘Navigating Career Pathways Together’. It brought together members of the PRISM community to explore skills, backgrounds, progression routes, and the porosity between roles and sectors. Discussions centred on career development, recognition, and how we can continue to strengthen both the professional identity of PRISM roles and future opportunities across the sector.
Link: Programme
Setting up institutional networks
Date: 14 October 2026
Summary: Peer-led session on launching and growing local PRISM networks, sharing practical experiences of engaging members, building momentum, running events, securing funding, and supporting inclusive practice.
Link: Download the crib sheet on how to set up a local network [Zenodo]
Pooling PRISMs: the solution to ending Fixed Term Contracts?
Date: 23 September 2025
Summary: Session exploring pooled PRISM models, including institutional benefits and challenges, how to make the case for establishing a pool, lessons from models at different stages of implementation, and the potential for ongoing information sharing between PRISMs managing or setting up pools.
Contributors: Victoria Anker (University of Edinburgh), Fleur Hughes (University of York), Lorelei Silvester (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), Ciara Wilton (University of Edinburgh), Jen Siggs (University of Exeter)
Links: Watch the session here [YouTube, 83 minutes], Download the transcript [PDF]
Committee Q&A and networking session
Date: 3 September 2025
Summary: PRISM Committee Q&A and networking session providing space to discuss the current state of the Network and PRISM roles in the UK, reflect on priorities for the year ahead, and share experiences of how financial pressures are affecting roles, teams, and ways of working.
Addressing the Professional Development Needs of PRISMs: Innovative Approaches and Collaborative Solutions
Date: 16 July 2025
Summary: Session exploring professional development support for PRISMs, covering innovative approaches, advocacy, shared learning, and collaborative solutions.
CDT Recruitment
Date: 11 July 2025
Summary: Panel discussion on inclusive and effective PhD student recruitment, focusing on attraction, selection, and common challenges.
Contributors: Dr Ana Pereira-O-Callaghan (Babraham Institute), Raj Mann (YCEDE), Jennifer Thomson (University of Birmingham), Linsey Fender (Scottish Graduate School of Social Science) and Dr Eleanor Groves (QMUL)
Link: Watch the panel discussion here [YouTube, 59 minutes]
Managing your digital footprint and evidencing the impact of your work
Date: 2 July 2025
Summary: Practical methods for managing your digital footprint and evidencing the impact of your work
Contributor: Dr Kirsty Ross (University of St Andrews)
Introduction to AI: Follow-Up Session
Date: 18 June 2025
Summary: Follow-up session exploring real-world use cases of AI in research management and how colleagues are experimenting with AI tools.
Introduction to AI: Unlocking the Power of Artificial Intelligence
Date: 14 May 2025
Summary: Introduction to artificial intelligence, covering AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, real-world applications, and hands-on use of AI tools.
#IAMREMARKABLE
Date: 30 April 2025
Summary: Workshop focused on overcoming barriers to sharing achievements and building confidence through peer support.
The REF and HiddenREF for PRISMs
Date: 18 March 2025
Summary: Discussion on recognising PRISM contributions within UK research assessment and engaging with existing assessment structures.
Contributors: Duncan Shermer (REF) and Simon Hettrick (HiddenREF)
Getting off on the right foot: key tools and documents for setting up a project
Date: 26 February 2025
Summary: Session exploring practical tools and documentation for setting up research projects, drawing on PRISM experience to reflect on what works in practice and how to navigate challenges when teams are reluctant to engage.
Contributors: Hajnal Farkas (University of Warwick), Alex Rollinger & Sarah Dwyer (both University of York), Theoni Massara (University of Edinburgh), Claudia Matz (University of Nottingham), Fleur Hughes (University of York)
Best practices for induction in CDTs: insights from the experts
Date: 30 January 2025
Summary: Training session drawing on the experience of CDT coordinators to share effective induction approaches, reflect on common challenges, and offer practical advice on supporting new students.
CDT managers' Q&A session
Date: 22 January 2025
Summary: Q&A session for CDT managers and administrators, sharing experience, resources, and best practice
Events in 2024 and earlier
Writing a better business case
Contributor: City REDI (University of Birmingham)
Hosting and facilitating inclusive events
2nd annual PRISM conference
Welfare and wellbeing in relational work for PRISMs
Date: 17 October 2024Contributor: Jude Fransman (RoRI)
Networking and current PRISM issues
CDT managers' panel discussions: EDI
Date: 3 July 2024
Contributors: Andrea Haworth (University of Nottingham), Rebecca Vipond (University of Warwick), Katy Welford (University of York), Lopa Murgai (UCL) and James McKay (University of Leeds)
Link: Watch the EDI session on YouTubeCDT managers' panel discussions: Data Management
Date: 10 July 2024
Contributors: Katy Welford (University of York), Helen Knight (University of Warwick), Sarah Marks (UCL) and Dr Claudia Matz (University of Nottingham)
Knowledge exchange for PRISMs
Date: 26 June 2024
Contributor: Tamsin Mann (PraxisAuril)
Project management training for PRISMs, pros and cons
Date: 22 May 2024
Contributors: Hannah Jones (Newcastle University), Isabella von Holstein (PRISM Network lead, Imperial College London) and Conny Zelic (Newcastle University)
Link: Watch the session on YouTubePRISMs and research culture
Date: 25 April 2024
Contributors: Rika Nair (Research Culture Enablers Network, University of Warwick) and Isabella von Holstein (PRISM Network lead, Imperial College London)How should team-led research work? The PRISM perspective
Date: 21 March 2024
Contributor: Alys Kay (University of Liverpool)
Link: Thrive is a Research England-funded project at the University of LiverpoolFirst PRISM Network in person conference
Date: 29 November 2023
Location: Henry Royce Institute, Manchester
PRISMs & Industry
Date: 25 October 2023
Contributors: Iwona Spill (University of Birmingham), Matthew Finerty (WMG, University of Warwick)How should the contribution of PRISMs be assessed in REF2028?
Date: 23 August 2023The Technician Commitment: What can PRISMs learn from this?
Date: 21 June 2023
Contributor: Simon Breeden (University of York)Academic Communication Problems: Helping PRISMs communicate research
Date: 24 May 2023
Contributor: Duncan YellowleesImpact & Engagement for PRISMs
Date: 29 March 2023
Contributor: Eve Cosgrave (Newcastle University)CDT Knowledge Exchange: Training/cohort building
Date: 23 January 2023
Link: FAQ page on PRISMs in the CDT callCDT Knowledge Exchange: Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity/CDT culture
Date: 6 February 2023
Link: FAQ page on PRISMs in the CDT callCDT Knowledge Exchange: Responsible Innovation/industry engagement & PGR career development
Date: 27 February 2023
Link: FAQ page on PRISMs in the CDT callWriting a Business Case
Date: 23 January 2023
Contributor: Rachel Sparks (Newcastle University)PRISMs & the EPSRC CDT call 2022/23 - Knowledge exchange among (aspiring) Doctoral Training Centre Managers
Date: 23rd November 2022
Contributors: Anja Roeding (University of Exeter) and Susie Douglas (University of Bath)Showcase of PRISM champion work
Date: 5 October 2022
Contributors: Debra Fearnshaw (University of Nottingham), Fleur Hughes (University of York), and Chloe Turner (University of Bath).PRISMs & Event Management: Summer schools/conferences
Date: 8 June 2022
Contributor: Justina Heslop (University of Newcastle)
Links: Justina's slides on summer school & conference management; Interesting stop/motion animation from the INPOMS Conference 2021
PRISMs & Event Management: Networking events
Date: 15 June 2022
Contributor: Fleur Hughes (University of York)PRISMs & Event Management: Consortium meetings
Date: 29 June 2022
Contributor: Alex Kersting (University of Cambridge)
Link: Slides from the event)