Becoming agile leaders of tomorrow
Adaptability and resilience in your research career and leading yourself and others
This annual in-person conference was organised by the Research Staff Association Steering Committee in collaboration with the Academy.
The 2026 theme, ‘Becoming agile leaders of tomorrow’, will bring together talks, panel discussions and interactive workshops designed to support research staff in navigating an evolving research landscape. The programme will explore how researchers can adapt to change, build resilience and develop leadership skills at all career stages—whether leading projects, collaborating across sectors, or shaping their own career trajectories.
Sessions will address key challenges and opportunities facing the research community, including the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, shifting funding landscapes, and the future of academic and non-academic career pathways. The conference will also focus on empowering researchers to recognise their value, strengthen their professional identity, and grow their expertise and visibility as future knowledge leaders. Open to a broad disciplinary audience, the event aims to support research staff in maximising their personal and professional development while equipping them to lead with confidence in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment.
The conference will take place on Thursday 26th November 2026 from 09:30-16:30.
2026 Programme
Look out for information on the 2026 conference programme coming soon!
2026 Conference Sponsorship
We are currently looking for sponsorship for the Research Staff Conference 2026. Thanks to the financial backing of sponsors, previous conferences have galvanised the research staff on themes related to personal and career development, as well as equality, diversity and inclusivity. We are seeking sponsorship for our 2026 Research Staff Conference to cover speakers’ and facilitators’ fees – even a small amount of money will go a long way. As a sponsor, we provide you with an invaluable opportunity to interact with a range of stakeholders, ranging from postdoctoral researchers, postdoctoral office administrators, early career researcher (ECR) networks, research impact, career development, health and wellbeing professionals and anyone with a vested interest in the country’s future research leaders.
We offer six levels of conference sponsorship, ranging from £175 to £750. See below for more information:
| Levels of Conference Sponsorship available |
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Well-being sponsor- £500 One Available Your company banner stands in the wellbeing area, located within the venue
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Networking sponsor - £500 One Available Your company banner stands in the networking area, located within the venue
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Bronze - £175 We will include your logo on advertising, the conference website, conference program (circulated to 10,000+ researchers and research-related individuals), promotional emails, and place holder slides during the event |
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Silver - £300
We will specifically acknowledge your sponsorship on social media via LinkedIn @University of Liverpool - The Academy (c. 1000 followers) including #UoLRSConf26. You are invited to have a stand at the in-person event and meet with researchers from across the University during breaks and at networking sessions |
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Gold - £450
An opportunity to sponsor one of our main 45–60-minute sessions (subject to availability), and to give a 5-minute presentation about your company during the session |
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Platinum - £750
The opportunity to have a 20-minute presentation (subject to availability) during the event on a topic that is related to the conference theme and fosters the career development of postdoctoral researchers |
Please let us know if you would be interested in sponsoring this event. If you would like to discuss further, please get in touch with us by emailing ResearchStaffAssociation@liverpool.ac.uk
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