Research Culture Community of Practice Event 2025

A Celebration of People and Action: Reflecting on the Research Culture Community of Practice Event 2025

What does it take to change the culture of research?

At the Research Culture Community of Practice Event 2025, the answer was clear: people.
People who challenge assumptions. People who care deeply. People who lead by sharing, questioning, connecting – and above all, by genuinely giving a damn about the experiences of others.

This year’s inaugural Community of Practice event brought together colleagues from across the institution and beyond to share ideas, showcase inspiring work, and build a collective vision of what a more inclusive, supportive, just and thriving research culture could – and should – look like.

As the lights went up and the last of the trapeze artists and opening ceremony dancers packed away their glitter cannons and the circus strongman was politely ushered out the door – the day buzzed with energy, hope, and solidarity. And it wasn’t just about ideas – it was about action.

A People-Led Movement

Research culture is about more than policies and processes. It’s about how we work together, how we value each other, and how we create spaces where everyone can flourish. This event was a celebration of that ethos in action – a vibrant, collaborative showcase of the people and projects pushing boundaries, asking better questions, and reimagining what’s possible.

Our keynote session – Reimagining Research Culture, Together – set the tone. Dr Armineh Soorenian and Liz Dew, both from the University of Sheffield and part of the Wellcome Anti-Ableist Research Cultures project, invited us to think critically and compassionately about whose voices are heard in research, and how we can build systems that make space for everyone to thrive.

They asked: who isn’t in the room, and why?

They reminded us that disability is not some distant concept, but a shared human experience – one all of us will encounter through age or circumstance. They invited us to reflect on how disability might reshape our relationship with time – and how embracing slowness could help us build a more humane and inclusive research culture.

They encouraged us to notice the often-unseen labour that sustains research – the quiet, essential work that makes everything else possible. They asked: who gets recognised for that work? Who is valued, and who is overlooked? And what stops us from speaking up or making a rightful fuss?

And perhaps most powerfully: are we doing enough to listen? To elevate marginalised voices? To speak honestly, to challenge what doesn’t feel right, and to imagine better ways of working together?

It was, for many of us, an intellectually rich and emotionally resonant invitation to reflect – and to act.

Ideas That Inspired

The day’s programme was packed with an extraordinary range of sessions, from abolitionist and inclusive methodologies to technical creativity, from open research to leadership, belonging, and resistance. Each session brought its own spark – a mix of provocation, reflection, and real-world ideas for doing research differently and more inclusively.

It was a powerful reminder that brilliant, transformative work is already happening across our institution – often led by people working in quiet corners or in roles that don't always get the recognition they deserve. These projects show that when we come together to share, challenge, and collaborate, we create the conditions for real cultural change.

You can explore the full range of sessions and projects here - please note this page is still under construction, I've just got to brush off all the glitter and confetti from all the projects. We’ll be adding more updates soon, so check back regularly.

Thank You for Making It Happen

To our speakers, presenters, and participants – thank you. Your openness, energy, and insight brought this event to life. You are the reason this community continues to grow.

To the behind-the-scenes heroes – from tech and catering to our brilliant chairs and the Researcher Development and Culture Team – your invisible work made the visible magic possible.

To everyone who came to listen, reflect, connect, and dream – thank you for showing up. This movement is stronger because you’re in it.

And a special thank you to Dr Emily Ennis, our lovely Research Culture Manager, whose bold vision, unwavering support, and deep commitment to community-led culture change made this event possible. Her belief in people, her drive for justice, and her joyful energy didn’t just shape the day– they brought it to life. Her presence uplifts and nourishes everyone around her – and let’s be honest, that closing breakdance? Iconic. 

What’s Next?

The Community of Practice doesn’t end with a single event. This is a living, growing, ongoing conversation. And every one of us has a part to play.

We’ll continue creating space to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the people reshaping research culture at Leeds and beyond.

If this event showed us anything, it’s that change is possible – and it’s already happening.

Let’s keep the momentum going.

Want to get involved or share your own research culture project?

We’d love to hear from you – reach out to the Research Culture team via email at [email protected].

Let’s keep building this community together.