NCRC Conversation Series
NCRC Conversation Series
The National Centre for Research Culture (NCRC) 'Conversation Series' is an opportunity for those working on research culture projects to share their work in an open online forum. These sessions allow a deeper dive into a project or theme.
Sessions are made available to anyone who has an interest in research culture (including, for example, researchers, research enablers, technicians, research developers, policymakers, funders, publishers, industry etc) and are free to attend.
Conversation Series 26-27
New for this academic year, we will be showcasing several of the challenge-led workshops from IRCC26, allowing the wider community to hear about the approach, initial outcomes and further calls to action.
17th December 2026: Safe to Fail
11th February 2027: AI in Research
29th April 2027: Researcher and Researcher Professional Wellbeing
17th June 2027: Advancing Racial Equity in Research Environments
Next Event
| Time and Date |
Description | Joining Details |
| 12:00 - 1:00pm, Thursday 17th December, online |
Safe to Fail: Reflections on a workshop exploring holistic approaches to addressing “failure” in research culture? What makes it possible to talk openly about experiences we perceive as academic failure, and what responsibilities arise when those experiences are shared? Building on our workshop at the International Research Culture Conference 2026, this session brings together the workshop facilitators to explore these questions further. The presentation will begin with an overview of the notion of academic failure, a description of the workshop aims and design, followed by a conversation. Each facilitator will return to a moment from facilitating their group that has remained with them since the workshop. Together, we will unpack these moments in conversation, exploring the dimensions of perceived academic failure they illuminate and the expectations, relationships and working conditions that shape them. These reflections will open a wider discussion about creating spaces where individuals feel safe to explore what they perceive as academic failure. When should these spaces remain private, and who decides whether personal reflections enter public discussion? How might institutions and individuals create the conditions for creating and sustaining psychological safety to enable public disclosure? Finally, how should institutions, leaders and managers respond when such experiences reveal systemic problems, with clear lines of accountability for acting on those problems? Our presenters: Dr Ayten Alibaba is an interdisciplinary scholar and Postgraduate Research Manager interested in belonging and identity. She has led projects on ECRs, and enhancing research culture. Dr John MacArtney Link opens in a new windowis a sociologist of dying and palliative care who has led a series of Enhancing Research Culture grants into academic “failure”. Dr Harriet Richmond Link opens in a new windowis a researcher development specialist, coach and creative practitioner. Her work focuses on designing imaginative learning experiences that encourage engagement with complexity and uncertainty. (All University of Warwick) Dr Rachel LewisLink opens in a new window, Research Development Manager, and Miranda RavenLink opens in a new window, Research Culture Manager (University of Reading), bring experience of piloting a series of Setbacks to Success workshops Link opens in a new windowat their institution with colleagues. Annie Bryan Link opens in a new windowis Head of Researcher Development at Coventry University, leading on professional development opportunities for research staff.
👥 All welcome. Please let us know if you have any access needs by emailing ncrc@warwick.ac.uk
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