Researcher Development Programme 2025-2026

The table below displays all of the sessions on the Academy’s central Researcher Development Programme by month. Use the links contained in the table to book onto a session.

The 2025-26 programme has been co-created with researchers based on their needs and aligns to the university strategy, Liverpool 2031, to deliver sector-leading support for the development of research talent. The events are designed to enhance valuable researcher skills and knowledge in topics including writing, publication strategies, supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, working with industry, engaging with the media, and more. 

Whether you’re looking to develop your own practice, meet other researchers, find the time to write or learn more about research across the university, our seminars, workshops, buddy schemes, writing retreats, competitions, conferences and coffee mornings are here for you. 

In line with the University’s values, we’re proud of this year’s ambitious programme and through our collaboration with the Research Staff Association we’re confident that the programme puts your needs first, supporting innovative research and an inclusive research community. 

Opportunities to celebrate research and researchers

Images of Research Photography Competition 2025

Images of Research is back! This is your opportunity to showcase your research through a compelling image that captures the essence, impact, or story behind your work. Images will be displayed across the university and during the Research Staff Conference and will be eligible for both judges' and public choice awards.

Entries close on Monday, 10 November 2025. You can find further information and how to enter the competition here.

Celebrating Researchers 2025

This celebration is an opportunity to show your appreciation for researchers who make working at Liverpool even better. Anyone can submit a nomination for a member of research staff (e.g. postdocs, research fellows, research assistants) who they feel has gone the extra mile. They can also be nominated for one of the two Champion prizes! 

Nominations have closed, further information about the nominees will be published by the end of October 2025 here.

Research Staff Conference 2025 

Join the Academy’s Researcher Development & Culture Team, working in collaboration with the Research Staff Association at the Research Staff Conference 2025 on Wednesday, 3 December, 9.30am-4.30pm. 

This year’s conference theme is Beyond Boundaries: Developing an Interdisciplinary Mindset and it will provide an opportunity for researchers to develop their skills working with those from other disciplines both within and beyond academia. The theme is supported by senior leaders and directly aligns with the university strategy, Liverpool 2031, supporting the ambitions of our researchers to develop innovative and inclusive collaborations.  

The conference is aimed at a wide researcher audience and will be of interest and relevance to the broad disciplinary range of our research community, and those at all career stages. You can find out more about the conference and book here.

RSA Buddy Scheme 

Spring 2026 will see the RSA Buddy Scheme return, providing an opportunity for research staff to meet new colleagues, expand their networks and enrich their experience of the University’s research culture in an informal setting.

Expressions of Interest for Round 6 of the scheme will open 9-27 February 2026, with the scheme itself running from 9-27 March 2026. Find out more information about the scheme here.

Events by month

October 2025

Available to book now: Research Staff Conference 2025, Wednesday 03 December, 09:30am-4:30pm

Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link
Monday, 13 October 2025, 1-2pm Introduction to PGR supervision Reflect on what it means to be a PGR supervisor and the expectations of a good supervisor RSA Lunch and Learn In-Person Those new to PGR supervision or who are informally supervising PGRs  Book Now
Tuesday, 21 October 2025, 2-4pm Welcome to new research fellows

Learn all about  the development opportunities and support available to research fellows at University of Liverpool

Fellows event In-person Research fellows who started their fellowships in 2025 Book Now
Thursday, 30 October 2025, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
November 2025

Don't forget to book for the Research Staff Conference 2025, Wednesday 03 December, 09:30am-4:30pm

Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link
Tuesday 11 November 2025, 1-2pm Write On: Strategies to start, shape and sharpen your writing Discover creative ways to get the words flowing, ignite your imagination and turn a first draft into a final draft RSA Lunch and Learn In-Person Researchers who are struggling to get the words down or want to try new writing techniques Book Now
Wednesday, 12 November 2025, 2-4pm Develop your publication strategy to strengthen your outputs and career Create publication strategies, navigate REF, write 3*/4* publications & embrace Open Research Interactive workshop In-Person Research Fellows Book Now
Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 09:30-4:30pm RSA Autumn Writing Retreat Protected time and space to achieve your writing goals Writing Retreat In-Person Anyone who would like some space and time to complete a writing goal Book Now
Thursday, 27 November 2025, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
December 2025
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link 
Wednesday, 03 December 2025, 09:30-4:30pm RS Conference 2025 - Beyond boundaries: Developing an interdisciplinary mindset The keynote will be delivered by Professor Iain Buchan, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Innovation. The conference will also include workshops, panel sessions, networking and wellbeing activities. Annual conference In-Person Researchers who want to connect with their peers and strengthen their research practice in interdisciplinarity Book Now
Thursday, 18 December 2025, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
January 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link 
Thursday, 22 January 2026, 1-2pm How to improve grant success by partnering with industry Explore how to improve your chances of grant success by partnering with industry RSA Lunch and Learn In-person Those who are interested in why to look for an industry partner and want tips on how to do this Book Now
Thursday, 29 January 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant

 

February 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link 
9 -27 February 2026 Buddy Scheme for research-only staff and fellows Meet new colleagues, expand your networks and enrich your experience of the University’s research culture in an informal setting Buddy Scheme Online/In-Person Research staff and fellows who would like to build connections  and enhance their professional, research and social frames of reference Expressions of Interest will open on Monday 9 February 2026
Thursday, 26 February 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
Thursday, 26 February 2026, 2-4pm Media training Learn tips on how and when to engage with the media to support your research profile Interactive workshop In-Person Research Fellows Booking opens in January 2026

 

March 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Stage(s) Booking Link (Eventbrite, etc)
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant

 

April 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Stage(s) Booking Link (Eventbrite, etc)
Thursday, 23 April 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
May 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link 
Wednesday, 06 May 2026, 1-2pm How to make the most of your PDR Consider the best way to make your PDR effective RSA Lunch and Learn Online Those want to have an effective annual development  review Booking will open in late Autumn 2025
Tuesday, 19 May 2026, 2-4pm Introduction to recruitment Make progress with your writing in a focused, supportive, distraction-free environment Interactive workshop In-Person Research fellows Booking will open in late Autumn 2025
Thursday 21 May (TBC) Fellows Research Showcase Present your research and connect with colleagues from across the university Research conference In-person Research Fellows More information, including Call for Abstracts, will be shared in early 2026
Thursday, 28 May 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All researchers No booking needed - just turn up at the Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant
June 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link
01-19 June 2026 Making an Impact 2026 Develop the knowledge, skills and abilities you need to effectively generate research income and increase impact. Various Mixed Staff who research and research enablers Further details of full programme will be launched in late 2025
Thursday, 25 June 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability. Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant

 

July 2026
Date & Time Session Title Session Description Session Type Online/In-Person Who should attend Booking Link
Wednesday, 15 July, 2026, 09:30am-4:30pm RSA Autumn Writing Retreat Protected time and space to achieve your writing goals supported by other researchers, with time for setting goals and sharing writing tips Writing retreat In-person Those who want protected time and space for their academic writing Booking will open in late Autumn 2025
Thursday, 23 July 2026, 10:30-11:15am RSA Coffee Morning Catch up with colleagues across the University of Liverpool and network with new people! Bring your own mug to support sustainability Coffee morning In-person All research staff No need to register, just turn up at Researcher Development Studio (Room 316), 3rd Floor, 126 Mount Pleasant