10:20 Welcome and Keynote: "The beauty and strength in 'mosaic' careers - recognition & future possibilities"

Dr Marie Sams, Head of the National Centre for Research Culture

10:20 – 10:30 PRISM Network Update

Dr Isabella von Holstein, Chair of the PRISM Network, Imperial College London

10:30 – 11:15 Panel: Exploring Diverse PRISM Career Pathways

Early-stage and senior PRISMs share their journeys.

11:15 – 11:35 Coffee Break

11:35 – 12:20 Panel: Enablers and Barriers to Progression

Success stories and exploration of challenges for current and future PRISMs.

12:20 – 12:35 PRISM Strategy and Future Directions, Dr Poppy Harrison

12:35 – 12:45 Buddy Scheme Drop-In

12:45 – 14:00 Lunch

14:00 – 15:00 Your Career Progression Journey

15:00 - 16:00 Showcase: Sharing Best Practice

16:00 – 16:30 Reflections & Next Steps

16:30 – 17:15 Informal Networking

17:30 Close

Networking

If you would like to connect with other PRISMs you can add your profile under the delegates column.

Using social media?

Our hashtag is #PRISMCon25

Parking code: HPLAY

APCOA Prebook

Wifi: Warwick Guest

Quiet space: Space 54

Taking a work call? Head to the Scarman Lounge

helen.knight@ucl.ac.uk

Elizabeth Goodyear, Programme Manager at City-REDI, University of Birmingham

Georgia Mortzou, Manager, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, Heriot-Watt University

Helen Knight, Centre Manager, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (CDT AMR ), UCL

PRISM Network Lead: Isabella von Holstein, Senior Research Community Manager, STEP-UP, Imperial College London

1. Click the link: APCOA Prebook

2. Complete all fields with your personal details, including the event dates

3. Enter the promotional code: HPLAY
   (Please ensure there are no spaces before or after the code.)

Full allergen information will be available at food service points, and delegates with dietary requirements are encouraged to speak to staff before selecting food at the buffet or in the restaurant.

Important note:

Please be aware that some delegates have severe nut allergies. We kindly ask that you do not bring any nut-containing products to the event and, where possible, avoid choosing dishes in the restaurant that contain nuts. In particular, please avoid any handheld nut-based items that may risk cross-contamination.

You can read Warwick Conferences’ full allergens statement here:

https://warwick.ac.uk/services/conferences/allergen-statement/

The PRISM Conference brings together colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and levels of privilege.

We want to create a space where everyone feels able to contribute, while also being mindful of the impact our words and actions can have on others.

If you are corrected during a discussion, please remember this is offered with care and often requires emotional labour.

Likewise, if you find yourself addressing someone else’s comment, we encourage a “calling in” approach that supports learning rather than prompting defensiveness.

We are all at different stages in our understanding of equity, inclusion, and how power and privilege shape our workplaces. We ask everyone to reflect on their positionality and to be mindful of the space they take up in discussions, particularly when conversations touch on issues that do not directly affect you.

Our aim is to foster a supportive, thoughtful environment where learning does not come at the expense of others’ wellbeing. Thank you for helping us make the PRISM Conference an enriching and welcoming experience for all.

(Credit: Raj Mann)

If you prefer not to be photographed, please collect a red lanyard at the registration desk. This will help our team and the photographer ensure your preference is respected.

If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of the organising team.

We do communication & public speaking training. Ask me about our new workshop on Talking to External Partners & Collaborators.

I'm hoping to set up a CDT Managers network and a signposting resource for the 2023 CDTs, so please email me or find me if you are interested!

f.r.breeden@sheffield.ac.uk

From Coventry, the 11 and 12 bus routes both serve Scarman. Both buses call at the Rail Station Bridge SD stop on Warwick Road; a one-minute walk from Coventry station - view on Google maps

From Leamington Spa, the U1 and U2 buses serve Scarman. Both services stop at Parish Church Stand B; a seven-minute walk from Leamington Spa station - view on Google maps

I am based at the University of York, working as an impact manager for the UKRI Digital Research Skills Catalyst. The catalyst [scheduled to launch in Spring 2026] will connect researchers and innovators across the UK with digital and in-person training opportunities. Current resources focus on building research skills for bioscientists and health professionals.

Feel free to get in touch sarah.dowsland@york.ac.uk

London Centre for Nanotechnology

UCL

I’m currently a postdoctoral researcher in policy research, and I’ve recently developed an interest in enhancing research culture, improving impact, and enabling science to transform the world. This is tied to why I did a PhD in the first place, but also to my previous experiences in project governance, PPIE, and public outreach.

I’m planning a career transition to an impact-focused role, so this conference feels very timely!

Looking forward to connecting with people from different roles and experiences:

puren.aktas@lshtm.ac.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/puren-aktas-640183104/

roslyn.cumming@york.ac.uk

I’m also committed to strengthening belonging and wellbeing for those doing emotionally demanding research and leading significant change. My focus is on ensuring that wellbeing and care are intentionally built into all of our projects - because while we all work hard to support change, who is caring for the change-makers who do it all?

After nearly 14 years at the University of York, my role is sadly coming to an end. As many of us know, precarity is a real challenge in our profession, but with the experience I’ve gained, I’m taking this moment as an opportunity to be brave (it is daunting!), step forward, and build something meaningful. Any support, connections, or recommendations from fellow PRISMs would truly mean a lot.

I hope the work I’ve done so far reflects the care and commitment I bring to this space - my LinkedIn recommendations (and I’ve been shortlisted for the upcoming inclusive impact awards 2025) have meant a great deal to me and I’m grateful that others have found value in what I do.

I’m looking forward to sharing my expertise in this area with you on the panel. However, if you’d like to know more, please connect with me. I would also really appreciate your support in recommending me to others who may be interested in working together.

Many thanks.

Raj

Also, entrepreneur working with University research!

My background has been in managing large research grants, most recently one of the URKI GCRF Hubs. A classic PRISM on fixed term contracts for over a decade.

I've recently returned from Maternity Leave to a brand new role as Post Award Manager - looking strategically at our processes across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. This involves looking at everything from finance and HR to data and publication.

I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's experiences and learning from you all,

It would be great to connect:

Libby.Johnston@ncl.ac.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/libby-johnston-b15416102/

I am passionate about ensuring that everyone can contribute to, and benefit from, research that has the potential to impact their lives.

Please do connect with me

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrinejensen/

Director of Midlands Innovation

H.turner@midlandsinnovation.org.uk

I have held a PRISM role for a large proportion of my career but have been lucky enough to find a route to a senior Director-level role. I would love to say that was strategic but I think in reality I have been lucky enough to be the right person in the right place at the right time. I live the variety and the opportunity to learn that my roles have given me. I did call myself a collaboration professional although in reality I am a generalist - a label I am increasingly comfortable with.

I currently manage a strategic partnership of 8 universities called Midlands Innovation.

Do feel free to reach out to me at L.Maslen@imperial.ac.uk or find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-maslen-fcmi-cmgr-29084755/

To the panel\for discussion: If there were a bid e.g. to the AHRC that the PM has helped to formulate and plan on doing some of the research and Project Management how to know if it is appropriate to ask to be Co-I / if the funder would be amenable to this? 

I find being a PRISM I often do not know what is appropriate for me to ask for....(from Annalisa Fagan)

I've been doing a lot of work recently identifying the typical grade distinctions between professional services roles across the sector and how individual professionals can use this information to progress their own careers when institutions don't favour formal Progression Pathways as they do for Academic colleagues.

I'm delighted to be able to join this Conference online.

It's great to hear how the network is approaching this and how you're tackling these issues that overlap with my work.

If we're not already connected on LinkedIn please send me a connection request: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionabicket/

I am currently a Senior Portfolio Manager at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in our Talent and Skills Team, supporting monitoring and evaluation of major investments including early career support and doctoral programmes.

Prior to this, I worked as a Knowledge Exchange Manager binging academia and industry closer together. My experiences have utilised key skills developed during my PhD.

Please do connect! rebecca.quinn@epsrc.ukri.org or Rebecca Quinn | LinkedIn

LinkedIn or email me sandydickssparks@gmail.com

I'm Laura, a Research Programme Manager for the NIHR Three Research Schools Prevention Programme. I’m based at Newcastle University within the NIHR School for Public Health Research Directorate.

I would definitely describe my role as a PRISM, working at a national level with a range of collaborators in public health, primary care and social care.

I am currently studying part-time for an MSc in Strategic Leadership at Newcastle University.

I find these conferences incredibly valuable for sharing best practice and for advocating both PRISM roles and women in leadership.

I can be contacted at: laura.ritson@ncl.ac.uk

Project Manager for Valuing Voices (valuing-voices.ac.uk) research culture project and (fairly) new PRISMs Manager, creating new systems and processes to support our PRISMs to thrive!

www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-walter

vicky.walter@bristol.ac.uk

ai4ci.ac.uk

Current position: Programme/Project Manager on Future Fibres Network Plus (NERC funded - PI -Professor Tamara Galloway). It's been an amazing 2-year project bringing environmental science into the heart of the fashion industry. We are a consortium of 5 universities and the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). Sadly this project - and therefore my role - is coming to an end in March '26. This is my 3rd project role. Having started my career in media and also been a Spanish teacher (still am!) I've done many different roles but I love project management and wish I'd found it earlier!

I’m relatively new to PRISM and this was my first PRISM event.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-richards-21a03513a/

Impact Acceleration Manager - InterAct Network,

Loughborough Business School

First year in a PRISM role - learning and soaking it all in. Looking forward to stronger partnerships, project management and stakeholder engagement!

Absolutely enjoyed being at the PRISM conference - being inspired by what others are doing.

In the new year I'll be part of a team launching a local Surrey PRISM network.

This is my 13th year in various versions of PRISM roles. My current role straddles professional services and academia and has a strong knowledge mobilisation focus. My interests are in public health, rehabilitation and Veterans heath.

c.mellor@imperial.ac.uk

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-mellor-78568374/