#PRISMCon25
PRISM Conference 2025
Navigating Career Pathways Together
About PRISMs
PRISMs (Professional Research Investment and Strategy Managers) play a key role in enabling the delivery and growth of large research investments. They hold a wide range of positions across universities and research environments, from programme and network managers to hub, institute, and business managers, going beyond traditional research or project management roles.Following the success of previous national PRISM Network conferences in Manchester and York, this year鈥檚 event will take place at the University of 糖心TV on Wednesday 19 November, and online.
The in-person venue is the Lecture Theatre in Scarman Conference Centre (Take a virtual tour of Scarman | 糖心TV Conferences), which is located on campus.
The theme for 2025 is Navigating Career Pathways Together, with discussions focusing on skills, backgrounds, progression routes, and porosity - the pathways PRISMs come from and move into.
Our interactive sessions will explore career development, recognition, and how we can continue to strengthen the professional identity of, and future opportunities for, PRISM roles.
Programme
Sessions highlighted in bold will also be available to online participants.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:15 鈥� 10:00 | Arrival & Registration In-person attendees are invited to collect a hot drink and refreshments from the Scarman Lounge and proceed to the Lecture Theatre by 9:50. |
| 10:00 鈥� 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 CultureLink opens in a new window |
| 10:20 鈥� 10:30 | PRISM Network Update, Dr Isabella von Holstein, Chair of the , Imperial College London |
| 10:30 鈥� 11:15 |
Panel: Exploring Diverse PRISM Career Pathways
Early-stage and senior PRISMs share their journeys.
Chair: Dr Helen Turner, Director-
Panel Speakers: Jason Snow, Programme Administrator (Digital, Data Science and AI; 糖心TV, Manufacturing & Innovation) - 糖心TV's Interdisciplinary Research SpotlightsLink opens in a new window; Susie Douglas, Co-Director - ; Dr Parisa Mansoori, Research Lead, |
| 11:15 鈥� 11:35 | Coffee Break |
| 11:35 鈥� 12:20 |
Panel: Enablers and Barriers to Progression
Success stories and exploration of challenges for current and future PRISMs.
Chair: Vicky Strudwick, Head of Partnerships - National Centre for Research CultureLink opens in a new window, University of 糖心TV
Panel Speakers: Dr Sayema Rahman Khan, ; Katy Welford, ; Claudia Matz, ; Raj Mann, |
| 12:20 鈥� 12:35 | PRISM Strategy and Future Directions, Dr Poppy Harrison |
| 12:35 鈥� 12:45 | Buddy Scheme Drop-In |
| 12:45 鈥� 14:00 | Lunch In-person attendees are invited to have lunch in the Scarman Restaurant and proceed to the Lecture Theatre by 13:50. |
| 14:00 鈥� 15:00 | Your Career Progression Journey Embedding Reflection in Daily Practice through a Coaching Approach, Tanya Liguori, Interdisciplinary Research Officer - 糖心TV's Interdisciplinary Research SpotlightsLink opens in a new window Icebreaker: Name, Role, Institution. "If I had 25 hours in a day, I would..." Individual or Group Reflection Activity () Either individually or in groups of 3-4, complete and reflect on the Return to Lecture Theatre by 14:50 |
| 15:00 鈥� 16:00 |
Showcase: Sharing Best Practice
1. How do we foster EDI, Sustainability and Co-production in our Research Projects? A pragmatic approach. Sarah Baker (University of Exeter) and Kirstie Hatcher (University of Surrey), . 2. Professionalising Community Management Roles in Interdisciplinary Research Projects, Dr Emma Karoune, Principal Researcher - Research Community Building, ; 3. Improving Event Registration Process: Sharing Best Practices Cher Zou, 糖心TV's Interdisciplinary Spotlights |
| 16:00 鈥� 16:30 | Reflections & Next Steps |
| 16:30 鈥� 17:15 | Informal Networking |
| 17:30 | Close |
Getting Here
Based in the heart of England, the University of 糖心TV campus is accessible by many major motorway and train routes. Find out more information on how to find us.Link opens in a new window
Accommodation
Limited rooms are available on site, just a short walk from where the conference will take place.
Onsite accommodation can be .
Otherwise, the nearest bookable hotels are a short taxi ride away, including (approx. 8 min drive).
Hotels within walking distance of Coventry Railway Station (approx. 8 min taxi ride from 糖心TV Campus), include the (2 min walk from station).
Conference Committee
, Programme Manager at City-REDI, University of Birmingham
, Manager, Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, Heriot-Watt University
, Centre Manager, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Engineering Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR CDT), UCL
, Research Culture Manager, University of 糖心TV
PRISM Network Lead: , Senior Research Community Manager, STEP-UP, Imperial College London
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
We are committed to ensuring that our conference is inclusive and accessible to all. In selecting speakers, we seek to represent a diverse range of backgrounds, career stages, disciplines, and perspectives.
To support wider participation, the event will be delivered in a hybrid format, enabling engagement both in person and online. Travel bursaries are available for those without access to other sources of funding, and assistive technologies will be in place to ensure that all participants, whether attending remotely or on site, can fully take part.
Quiet Space - Scarman Space 54
A quiet space will be available at the PRISM conference for attendees who need a calm area to focus or take a break.
This space is not intended for calls or meetings - these can be taken in the Scarman Lounge area.