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Read about the role of the advisory group members

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Dr Kay Guccione (she/her) - Head of Research Culture and Researcher Development (Glasgow) and REDS Conference Director

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Dr Kay Guccione (she/her) - Head of Research Culture and Researcher Development (Glasgow) and REDS Conference Director

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https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/ris/staff/kayguccione/

My own research and practice sits in Academic Development, Doctoral Education and the Hidden Curriculum.

My favourite type of work involves conversations, be they pertinent through community engagement, crafting learning cultures, mentoring, and/or the enhancement of contemporary supervision and research leadership practices.

I founded the REDS Conference and I edit the 'Supervising PhDs' blog and 'The Hidden Curriculum in Doctoral Education' blog, and I am one of the editors behind the Journal of Imaginary Research, a zine that publishes micro-fiction in the familiar format of the academic abstract.

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Maddie Mitchell (she/her) - Leadership Development Officer (Oxford)

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Maddie Mitchell (she/her) - Leadership Development Officer (Oxford)

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https://www.medsci.ox.ac.uk/for-staff/staff/maddie-mitchell

I design and facilitate the Inclusive Leadership Programme, supporting both academic and professional services staff in Oxford's Medical Sciences Division. I work hard to create a supportive and challenging space for people to reflect and grow as leaders.

I am an executive coach, action learning set facilitator, and all-round enthusiast for better ways of communicating. I take great joy in sharing the Lab Handbook project through talks and workshops, and champion it as a research culture and communication tool (Research Culture Uncovered podcast episode).

I support the Wellcome-funded Leading in Academic Research Environments programme, and led a team to design Oxford's first EDI professional development conference in 2024. (See our beautiful conference workbook here!)

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A selfie of a white woman with very short brown hair and glasses, the background is boats in the harbour in St Ives, Cornwall. The tide is out and it is very sunny.

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Dr Stephanie Zihms (she/her) | Lecturer Academic Writing & Researcher Development | GCU

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Dr Stephanie Zihms (she/her) | Lecturer Academic Writing & Researcher Development | GCU

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I am a Lecturer in Academic at GCU, where I lead the Academic Writing Centre and specialise in developing writing support and communities for postgraduate researchers and academic staff.

I host the Power Hour of Writing, an inclusive peer-writing community that provides protected time for writing in a supportive online environment, and organise train writing retreats across the Scottish countryside.

I chaired the Universities Scotland Researcher Development & Culture Committee from 2023-2025 and contribute to the Scottish Higher Education Researcher Developer (ScotHERD) network. I am also a founding member of the GCU Disabled Staff Network.

Living with Multiple Sclerosis has profoundly shaped my approach as a lecturer, strengthening my commitment to creating accessible and inclusive academic communities. This experience drives my focus on designing flexible learning opportunities and supporting disabled postgraduate researchers through one-to-one sessions.

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Dr Sonja Tomaskovic (she/her), University of Cambridge

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Dr Sonja Tomaskovic (she/her), University of Cambridge

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I am Senior Teaching Associate at the Postgraduate Education and Development. My background is in experimental physics and biomedical engineering, and I have worked in a variety of roles including research, teaching, and supporting postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers in their learning and development. In my current role I am involved in designing, delivering and coordinating a diverse programme of activities and resources for postgraduate researchers.

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Dr Andrew Rowe (he/him) - Researcher Training and Development Manager (University of Nottingham)

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Dr Andrew Rowe (he/him) - Researcher Training and Development Manager (University of Nottingham)

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I'm Andrew!

I am part of a wonderful and inspiring team who deliver training and development opportunities for all researchers, academics and technical staff through our Researcher Academy.

I lead and teach on our Research Communication thematic training programme (I was a social media researcher in a former life) and offer researchers many different opportunities to apply learning into their practice. I also provide institutional-level strategic support on researcher wellbeing.

I'd like to think one of my key strengths is bringing people together - often through laughter and food!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-rowe-b21b1384/

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A picture of a man stood against a wall smiling. 

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Dr Panagiota (Peny) Sotiropoulou, Mixed-methods researcher at Advance HE's Insights team 

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Dr Panagiota (Peny) Sotiropoulou, Mixed-methods researcher at Advance HE's Insights team 

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Fell free to reach out via LinkedIn or email!

Hi everyone. I'm Peny!

I am an equity-driven researcher, is how I like to introduce myself. I love all kinds of data, and specifically combining different types. I sepcialise in EDI considerations in higher education, with a heightened interest on issues related to ethnicity and race.

Throughout my career, I have been involved in a wide array of projects, ranging from conducting institutional reviews across a variety of organisations with a focus on culture and EDI considerations, to supporting institutions with designing and evaluating interventions. You can have a look here at some of my most recent work.

In general, I love being involved in collaborative projects engaging various stakeholders, as I am a firm believer that co-creation and team-work in combination with evidence-based insights are the driving forces for positive meaningful change.

Hence, I cannot wait to work with the rest of the Advisory Group members to assist in the continuous development of the REDS conference and the wider promotion of the importance of researcher development and support! I have myself done a PhD not that long ago and had to transistion from academia beyond, so, I have first hand experience of the challenges as well as the opportunities this involves and a personal and professional interest to fight for a better research culture!

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Jo Howorth, Founder and Director, ActuateYou Ltd

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Jo Howorth, Founder and Director, ActuateYou Ltd

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I work with senior leaders, researchers and innovators navigating complex institutional environments, helping them think clearly, understand the dynamics shaping their work and move forward with confidence.

With over 20 years’ experience across research-intensive universities and innovation ecosystems, including senior leadership roles at the University of Leeds, I bring both practical institutional insight and a thoughtful, human approach.

As part of the REDS Advisory Group, I contribute experience in research culture, innovation development and fellowship design, alongside a strong interest in how institutions can better support people to grow, collaborate and make meaningful impact.

🔗 actuateyou.com
🔗 linkedin.com/in/johoworth

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Dr David Wilkinson, Director, Research Toolkit Ltd

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Dr David Wilkinson, Director, Research Toolkit Ltd

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Hello everyone, I'm David.

I am an established evaluator, researcher, and author with over 20 years’ experience of working in higher education, enterprise, and innovation. My core expertise lies in the design and implementation of robust, mixed-methods evaluation frameworks, particularly in complex academic and innovation-led environments.  I am also deeply committed to widening access to education and opportunity, especially for individuals who face systemic or practical barriers. This commitment underpins much of my work through Research Toolkit and is reflected in projects that support aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs (within and outside of HE), as well as national outreach initiatives in collaboration with organisations such as the Royal Air Force, the Medical Schools Council, and the Royal College of General Practitioners.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wilkinson-3051986/

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Jo Garrick, Researcher Training & Development Manager, Leeds University Business School 

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Jo Garrick, Researcher Training & Development Manager, Leeds University Business School 

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I've worked in Research Support at the University for almost 18 years, and have also managed the Northern Advanced Research Training Initiative - a network of 17 university business and management schools.

Over the past few years, I have been promoted to Researcher Training & Development Manager and manage a team who specialise in the organisation and delivery of training and professional development programmes for PGRs and academic staff.

I am the director for the Writing for Research and Academic Practice (WRAP) European network that supports the development of academic, creative, and professional writers.

I am an Aurora alumnus and mentor and co-lead the Research Leadership Development Consortium (RLDC) - a cross-university network which facilitates the sharing of experience, knowledge and co-production of leadership research.

I am a trained writing retreat facilitator and have been actively organising and leading retreats since 2018. I contributed a chapter to Women Writing Socially in Academia: Dispatches from Writing Rooms with fellow retreat facilitators, published by Palgrave in January 2025.

I'm currently studying a Masters in Creative Writing with the Open University and have just finished the first year. My aim is to bring together two passions in my life: creative writing and academia - to further support researchers and their writing practice from a creative perspective.

With many years of experience in organising and delivering training and development workshops, retreats, events and conferences, I am looking forward to being part of the team and contributing to the fantastic REDS conference!

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Dr Jane Shepard (she/her) | Head of Research & KE Staff Development, University of the Arts, London

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Dr Jane Shepard (she/her) | Head of Research & KE Staff Development, University of the Arts, London

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Hi – I’m Jane

I’ve worked in a ton of roles in HE, from students services, to library services, to supporting research projects; impact development, REF 2021 planning and delivery and now, staff development for researchers and knowledge exchange practitioners.

I joined University of Arts, London in 2022 where I lead training and development programmes for academic and professional services staff, and I’m also part of the REF2029 People, Culture and Environment Pilot Secretariat team.

I listen to learn. I’ll never be the loudest person in the room, but I will be tuning into what’s being said, felt and heard; and I’ll finding ways to use that learning to make good stuff happen.

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Prof Richard Freeman, UCL Institute of Education 

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Prof Richard Freeman, UCL Institute of Education 

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I'm Head of the Centre for Doctoral Education and Acting Director of the UBEL ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership. I joined IOE in 2006 before its merger with UCL in 2014. Initially, I was IOE's researcher developer and have worked in the PGR/ECR space ever since.

I've presented at REDS a couple of times and recently had a paper published with Dr Anna Price (QMUL) on one of those presentations: Freeman, R.P.J. and Price, A.M. (2024) Researcher developers: an emerging third space profession. London Review of Education, 22(1), 25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14324/LRE.22.1.25.

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Dr Yinka Somorin - Independent Consultant

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Dr Yinka Somorin - Independent Consultant

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I am an Independent Consultant with almost two decades of experience in higher education in Africa and Europe.

I utilise my experience as a researcher and in researcher development to deliver impactful programmes that enhance the research capabilities and professional development of researchers at African and UK Universities through the design and delivery of capacity-building programmes and mentorship.

Previously, I was a Research Culture Specialist (Career Destinations) at the University of Glasgow, where I co-led the design and delivery of projects under the Pathfinder programme to support the career development of researchers. Here is a blog from one of the initiatives: Amplifying the Voices of Experts: supporting researchers’ careers

My current work provides platforms for conversations and working with organisations and institutions, such as the Association of African Universities (Ghana), the University of Nottingham (UK), and the North-West University Business School (South Africa), to support the development of researchers in Africa and prepare them for fulfilling careers within and beyond academia.

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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Dr Saher Ahmed (she/her) - Passionate about Equity in Research: SA Consultancy, University of Cambridge

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Dr Saher Ahmed (she/her) - Passionate about Equity in Research: SA Consultancy, University of Cambridge

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Hi, I’m Saher- I work at the intersection of research, equity and culture change. With a background in physics and two decades of experience across the research, education and charity sectors, I’m especially interested in what it takes to create inclusive research systems where all talent can thrive — not just in theory, but in practice.

My first role in EDI was at The Institute of Physics, where I co-created Project Juno (https://www.iop.org/about/IOP-diversity-inclusion/project-juno) - which was the IOP's flagship gender equality award. More recently I set up and led the EDI function at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where I created an innovative post-doctoral Fellowship aimed at increasing inclusion: (https://elifesciences.org/articles/94732); developed a new scheme to support researchers returning from a career break (https://sangerinstitute.blog/2023/06/06/new-scheme-launched-to-support-researchers-returning-after-extended-leave/) and established a PhD studentship programme in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, exploring race equity and representation in genomics.

I now work as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Cambridge, and through my consultancy support organisations like Helmholtz Munich, The MRC, CNPEM Brazil and the Kavli Centre. I'm also Deputy Chair of the Athena Forum, which brings together national bodies to advance equality in UK research. I'm really looking forward to working alongside the REDS advisory group!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-saher-ahmed-85844363/

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Dr Shijia Yu (she/her), King's College London

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Dr Shijia Yu (she/her), King's College London

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I am Doctoral Student Development Officer at King's Doctoral College. My academic background is in art history/visual culture, but at King's, I look after the training and development programme of the Health Sciences Doctoral Training Centre, including live workshops, bursaries and funding opportunities, buddy scheme, public engagement competitions, and the research symposium. I also manage our asynchronous resources for doctoral researchers and research staff.

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Dr Teresa Phipps (she/her), PGR Researcher Development, Swansea University

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Dr Teresa Phipps (she/her), PGR Researcher Development, Swansea University

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I lead on PGR student and supervisor development and training at Swansea University. I'm responsible for our programme of training for PGRs across the university as well as other events and initiatives designed to support our PGRs to succeed in their research and beyond. My background is in medieval history and I have also worked in various widening participation/access roles so I am passionate about breaking down barriers to education at all levels and initiatives the support individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.

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Dr Rhoda Stefanatos (She/Her)| Fellowships Development Manager (UofGlasgow)

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Dr Rhoda Stefanatos (She/Her)| Fellowships Development Manager (UofGlasgow)

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I joined the Research Culture and Researcher Development (RCRD) team at Glasgow at the beginning of 2023 after almost 15 years as a Researcher. Proud to have held a variety of roles in our Research ecosystem including now as a research professional.

I have led Research Staff development and stewarded our Researcher Concordat ambitions since then. I have recently joined the RCRD leadership team and now lead on development of our Fellows and the framework of practices that underpin how we support and develop our current and aspiring fellows to maximise the opportunity that fellowships offer.

My research interests centre on capturing, understanding and developing agency and leadership in Researchers. I also hold a range of interests and experiences in our collective Research Cultures and hope to develop my own leadership and impact in this area.

I am excited to be part of the team behind REDS a conference that was so important to me in my transition from Research to Research Professional.

Looking forward to working with you.

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Rebecca Neish (She/Her) - Event Manager, InFrame (University of St Andrews) 

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Rebecca Neish (She/Her) - Event Manager, InFrame (University of St Andrews) 

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Currently working as the Event Manager on the InFrame project, a collaborative project being run by the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews, Rebecca has worked in the event industry for over 7 years. In this time, she has applied her event knowledge in various sectors and industries. First, starting off in the Business Sector, where she designed and executed events for the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce; she then moved into the Hospitality Sector, where she worked as the partnership and Events Sales Manager at Edinburgh’s world renowned, The Balmoral hotel before currently settling in the Higher Education sector where she is currently the Event Manager for the InFrame Project funded by the Wellcome Trust.

Rebecca first explored her passion for events when she studied a BA Hons in Events Management at Queen Margaret University. She then returned to Queen Margaret to further develop her learning in the field, where she completed an Associate MA in Arts & Cultural Management, Sustainability & Safety in Event Management.

She is passionate about the continuous delivery of high-quality events and continues to strive to develop her knowledge of how to produce inclusive, welcoming, effective events.

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Dr Anna Seabourne (she/her) Consultant, Early Career Researcher Institute, Imperial College London

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Dr Anna Seabourne (she/her) Consultant, Early Career Researcher Institute, Imperial College London

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I have more than two decades of experience working in academia, with 12 years in Japanese further and higher education, including a pioneering initiative preparing Japanese graduates for work in international organisations.

My PhD used communities of practice theory to research education and self-development in a classical Japanese martial art, and I retain an interest in social theories of learning. I am devoted to improving the lives and careers of researchers and hold postgraduate qualifications in education, coaching, library and information science, and leadership and management. I have worked in a variety of academic related professional service roles at both post-92 and research-intensive institutions. My current role focusses on supporting postdocs and other early career researchers through facilitated learning and development opportunities. I've attended many REDS conferences and presented a few times, so I am looking forward to working with everyone to take REDS onwards and upwards! Please feel free to connect via any of my links and social media profiles: https://linktr.ee/annaclub

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Dr Rose Holyoak (she/her) Researcher Development Training Officer, Doctoral College, University of Surrey

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Dr Rose Holyoak (she/her) Researcher Development Training Officer, Doctoral College, University of Surrey

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I'm (relatively) newly a researcher developer, having joined the Researcher Development and Employability team at Surrey in April '24. Prior to this I had worked in a range of roles over the previous 15 years, at different universities, predominantly researching and teaching in the areas of sociology, gender studies, and research methods.

Across my previous academic career what motivated and nourished me were opportunities to support and encourage others, facilitate learning and development, and experiment with new ideas and approaches. My move into researcher development has enabled me to fall back in love with these things, and to do them as part of a community of other people who are similarly invested in collaborative approaches and sustainable practices.

My academic and personal interests lie in the areas of radical politics, solidarity, and collective liberation, so I'm particularly interested in how our institutions approach things like accessibility, wellbeing, hierarchy and EDI, and how we might do it better.

REDS 2024 was my first experience of a researcher education and development conference and I was inspired by the diversity of the content and the flexibility of the format. I can't wait to work with everyone on the Advisory Group to bring that experience to more people and help showcase the wealth of knowledge and experience within the community.

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Rose is a 38 year-old white woman with cats-eye glasses and ginger hair. She's wearing bold pink lipstick and smiling at the camera.

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Joanna Royle (she/her) - Researcher Development Manager, University of Glasgow.

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Joanna Royle (she/her) - Researcher Development Manager, University of Glasgow.

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I lead the Researcher Development team at the University of Glasgow, who deliver frameworks of university-wide development for all researchers, including PGRs, Research Staff, and Research Supervisors. I also lead the Talent Lab suite of research leadership programmes.

I've been #TeamUofG for 29 years now! I came as an undergrad and never left. I've committed my career to widening access and building the academic and professional literacies of different cohorts connected with the University. I am MEd, FHEA, RLE and Belbin certified: I do love an epistemic model to chew about in my head.

I get super excited about HE pedagogy; reading groups/journal clubs as sites of community of/and praxis; leadership theory; transition and liminality in and out of academia. Also medieval nuns (a PhD throwback).

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Dr Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths (she/her) - Researcher Development Advisor, University of Leeds

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Dr Heledd Jarosz-Griffiths (she/her) - Researcher Development Advisor, University of Leeds

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Reach out via Linked In or email

Hi, I’m Heledd,

I’m a Researcher Development Advisor at the University of Leeds, with a background as a postdoc in biomedical sciences. I’m passionate about creating positive, inclusive research cultures—particularly through PGR development, supervision, mentoring, coaching and recognition.

Nationally, I’ve contributed to shaping supervisory recognition frameworks, including supporting the inclusion of master’s supervision within UKCGE Associate Award applications. I currently co-manage our institutional pilot at Leeds, focused on enhancing and developing supervisory practice.

I am a qualified coach (ILM Level 5), co-chair of our university’s Parent and Carer Network, and a strong advocate for equity, wellbeing, and tailored researcher support. My experiences navigating research alongside a complex life and care responsibilities have shaped my commitment to inclusive, flexible approaches to development.

It’s been a privilege to help shape the REDS Conference as a convenor, chair and Advisory Board member—and I’m excited to continue supporting this brilliant, thoughtful community.

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Incognito (2025), image courtesy Stuart Tweedie

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Al Innes (He/Him), Research Development Manager, University of Edinburgh

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Al Innes (He/Him), Research Development Manager, University of Edinburgh

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I am the Research Development Manager at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. I lead on the University research development strategy for Climate and Environment research and between 2023 and 2025 was the Programme Lead for the University Research Support Services Conference.

I've worked in research development for just over 15 years, both in the private sector and in Higher Education, serving my apprenticeship as a bid writer on FP7 and H2020 projects in the Cloud, Big Data and IoT space - managing €20million in grant funding on a dozen international, multi-institutional interdisciplinary projects.

Since 2017 I have worked at the University of Edinburgh, training academics and professional services staff in all aspects of the research development ecosystem.

I work with a number of Scottish companies as a theatre maker; sit on the organising committee for the Scottish Arctic Network, and have a powerful obsession with cold men from the 19th C.

https://linktr.ee/al.innes

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Dr Nina Rezec (she/her) – Independent Researcher | Women in Leadership Advocate

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Dr Nina Rezec (she/her) – Independent Researcher | Women in Leadership Advocate

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Hi, I’m Nina, an independent researcher, writer, and community builder passionate about inclusive leadership, gender equity, and transforming research culture. My academic work focuses on gender-diverse leadership and financial stability, particularly the influence of women in senior executive roles on corporate financial strategies.

I hold a DBA and have conducted postdoctoral research at King’s Business School – King’s College London, where we published an article on Women's Career Success in the Financial Services Industry in Gender, Work, and Organization. The study highlights how institutional culture and gendered norms hinder progress toward inclusive leadership. My most recent project explores working capital management across 48 countries and shows how greater female representation in C-suite positions leads to more conservative and efficient financial decision-making—evidence that informs and challenges leadership norms in both corporate and academic spaces.

Beyond research, I actively mentor emerging women leaders through global initiatives including the KCL Womxn in STEM Mentorship Program, Babson’s Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership, and the UN Women Mentorship Program. I also design and lead collaborative events to bring academics and professionals together for networking, mentoring, and peer support.

My mission is to create empowering environments where researchers and changemakers—especially women—can thrive and lead. Whether through mentoring, writing, or community-led events, I’m always seeking creative ways to challenge structural barriers and build bridges between research and impact.

I’m excited to be part of the REDS community and look forward to co-creating spaces for connection, equity, and leadership across research ecosystems.

Let’s connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-rezec/

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Inês Crisóstomo (she/her) - Program Manager at Uni Luxembourg | Championing equity & meaningful conversations

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Inês Crisóstomo (she/her) - Program Manager at Uni Luxembourg | Championing equity & meaningful conversations

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Hi everyone! I’m Inês, and I coordinate the ADVANCE Mentoring Program at the University of Luxembourg, where I also work as part of the Gender Equality Office. I’ve spent over a decade working in researcher development, supporting researchers as they navigate their careers — because I truly believe that people and their development are at the heart of excellent research.

I’m especially passionate about mentoring (in all its forms), learning with and from peers, and creating research environments where connection, collaboration, and curiosity can thrive. I’ve worked at research institutions in the USA, Austria, and Portugal, which has shaped how I think about mentoring cultures across contexts.

I’m really looking forward to contributing to the REDS conference, exchanging ideas, and learning from this community.

Inês Crisóstomo | LinkedIn

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Dr Michele Jacobsen | Associate Dean Supervision and Mentorship, Faculty of Graduate Studies & Professor in Learning Sciences, University of Calgary, in Alberta Canada

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Dr Michele Jacobsen | Associate Dean Supervision and Mentorship, Faculty of Graduate Studies & Professor in Learning Sciences, University of Calgary, in Alberta Canada

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Researcher • Mentor • Community Builder • Animal Advocate

Hello Everyone! I am delighted to be part of this amazing group of scholars focused on the development and education of research and researchers! As Associate Dean, Supervision and Mentoring at the University of Calgary, I work with colleagues and students across disciplines to advance excellence in graduate supervision through research, professional learning, and policy leadership [https://grad.ucalgary.ca/michele-jacobsen]. My portfolio includes designing supervisor orientation, fostering professional learning communities, mentoring faculty, and shaping policies that ensure fairness, clarity, and excellence in graduate supervision. My own scholarship focuses on doctoral supervision, faculty development, open education practices, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. I co-lead Canada’s National Community of Practice on Graduate Supervision [https://cags.ca/national-community-of-practice-on-graduate-supervision/], and work to make supervision more visible, relational, recognized and impactful across higher education. Beyond academia, I am deeply committed to animal welfare through my work with Tails to Tell Animal Rescue, a volunteer-run shelter dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats & kittens.

Across both spaces, my leadership is guided by a shared purpose: to make care visible, to help others grow, and to cultivate supportive communities where everyone, felines and humans, can thrive.

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Dr Bing Lu, doctoral education scholar, supervisor development practitioner, University of Warwick 

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Dr Bing Lu, doctoral education scholar, supervisor development practitioner, University of Warwick 

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Hello everyone I'm Bing. My research critically engages with access, equity, and sustainability in postgraduate education, focusing particularly on underrepresented groups and the global flows of academic labour. I lead, co-lead, and substentially contribute to national and institutional projects that translate inclusive research principles into real-world educational change aimed to faciliate a better research culture (e.g. EDEPI, TIMELY, LoCoR, Warwick Inclusive Education projects).

I have recently completed a SRHE-funded project on examining migrant supervisors' learning of supervision in UK institutions, providing insights on how universities can better support the diverse learning needs of supervisors in the increasingly international postgraduate education context.

I am currently guest editing a Special Issue on Taboos in Doctoral Education Across Cultures hosted by Higher Education Quarterly (fully released by May 2026).

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Tasha Kitano (she/her)- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)- Brisbane- Researcher/Supervisor developer

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Tasha Kitano (she/her)- Queensland University of Technology (QUT)- Brisbane- Researcher/Supervisor developer

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I am a Language and learning educator at QUT in Australia. I wear a million hats like everyone else. With one of my hats, I provide academic writing support to PGR students and facilitate professional development workshops for PGR supervisors. I host a 'wellbeing Lounge' for PGRs which is a space for them to not only do focused writing, but also a great space for them to connect with each other and discuss various aspects of the PGR journey.

My academic interests are in PGR supervision, and I co-host the Supervisor Development Reading Group for the Aussie/New Zealand audience.

I am Chair of the international mentoring scheme- Mentoring for Researcher Developers (M4RD) and its sister group - the Network for Researcher Developers (NeRDs). I LOVE the M4RD / NeRDs community and have met so many amazing people along the way.

Another hat I wear is my PGR hat. I am a PGR student myself, and my research is on PGR supervision particularly focusing on supervision in regional areas.

I currently sit on QUT Council and am enjoying seeing a whole new perspective to university governance.

I also travel to Japan a lot and hope to one day have a researcher writing retreat there!

I'm so excited to be on the REDS Advisory Board and looking forward to more great REDS conferences.

Please connect with me on LinkedIn here.

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Troy McGee (He/Him) — Monash University, Australia.

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Troy McGee (He/Him) — Monash University, Australia.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-troy-mcgee-143362141/

I’m Troy McGee, Senior Lecturer and Founding Director of the Research, Experimentation & Discovery (RED) program at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. My work sits at the intersection of interdisciplinary education, participatory design, research culture, and translational impact — particularly exploring how we create meaningful, inclusive and future-focused research learning experiences for students and researchers.

Much of my work focuses on helping emerging researchers navigate complexity, collaboration and real-world impact through challenge-led, research-connected education. I’m especially interested in speculative and participatory approaches to research development, researcher identity formation, creative methodologies, and building cultures that support curiosity, experimentation and belonging.

I’m really looking forward to learning from this community, contributing to the ongoing evolution of REDS, and connecting with others passionate about researcher education and development scholarship.

Great to meet everyone!