Engagement, influence, and impact

Wednesday 04 November 2026

13:00-15:00

In-person

Nick Whitehead Theatre

In this session we will explore key conference presentation skills, looking at how to make complex information and concepts accessible and engaging for specialist and non-specialist audiences. The session is suitable for everyone, whether you are preparing for your first conference or looking to strengthen your existing presentation skills. 

Session outcomes

1. Tailoring research to different audiences

2. Present complex research concepts 

3. Demonstrate confident communication skills

Thursday 12 November 2026

14:30 - 15:30

You've been asked to peer- review a journal article. Should you accept? If you do, how should you approach the task, and what makes a constructive review?

This session will demystify the peer-review process, exploring how it supports collegiality, collaboration and constructive feedback, while developing clear and effective communication of research to different audiences. It will also consider the benefits of peer reviewing.

Session outcomes

By the end of the session, participants should be able to:

1. Recognise the role of peer review in the research ecosystem

2. Identify opportunities to engage with peer review

3. Communicate research to different audiences

Thursday 26 November 2026

11:00-12:00

In-person

B08

Engaging with industry can help researchers increase the reach, relevance and real-world value of their work. This session will introduce some of the practical considerations involved in working with external partners, from identifying shared interests and understanding industry needs, through to developing collaborations around research, innovation and knowledge exchange.

A key part of the session will be exploring how priorities are set and aligned across academic and industry environments. Academic researchers and industry partners may approach the same challenge from different starting points, work to different timescales, and define value or success in different ways. Understanding these differences can help researchers identify where interests genuinely overlap, shape stronger collaborations, and communicate their ideas in a way that is relevant to the needs and context of external partners.

Drawing on experience from collaborative R&D, Innovate UK projects, direct industry-funded research and technology transfer, the session will also consider what makes collaborations work well and some of the practical issues researchers should be aware of when engaging externally.

It will also introduce the support and resources available across the University to help researchers build external relationships and move an opportunity forward. This includes knowing who to approach for help with areas such as identifying suitable partners, developing collaborations, funding routes, intellectual property, confidentiality, contracts and commercialisation, so that researchers do not feel they need to navigate the process alone.

Session outcomes

By the end of the session, participants should be able to:

1. Recognise different ways researchers can engage with industry and understand what external partners may look for from an academic collaboration.

2. Identify the potential value, applications and relevant external partners connected to their own research, and communicate these effectively to non-academic audiences.

3. Recognise key practical considerations when developing industry collaborations, including intellectual property, confidentiality and expectations, and identify appropriate next steps.

Tuesday 01 December

10:00-11:00

Online 

Research that engages with the public can be insightful, inspiring and have substantial long-term impact. But how do we design public engagement research and conduct that research effectively and ethically?  This session will introduce and explore the key considerations for researchers when engaging with the public, including the required ethical measures and effective engagement techniques.

Session outcomes

1. Identify core principles of public engagement research.

2. Implement ethical practices in public engagement.

3. Use impactful techniques to engage the public effectively.

Thursday 10 December

12:00-13:00 

In-person

B12

This practical, workshop session will help researchers build their online presence, raise their research profile and connect with wider audiences. You’ll explore how to create and enhance your Wrexham University researcher profile, set up and make effective use of platforms such as ResearchGate and ORCID, and use social media to increase the visibility of your research. The session will also consider how to communicate your research in engaging and accessible ways, helping you build your identity as a researcher and share your work with the public.

Session Outcomes

1. Build your researcher profile by creating or enhancing your Wrexham University profile 

2. Use research platforms effectively to showcase your research and improve its discoverability.

Thursday 10 December

13:15 -14:15

In-person

B14

How can you turn your research presence into opportunities to make a difference beyond academia? This interactive workshop will help researchers explore how their work could inform policy and practice, influence organisations, or benefit communities and wider society. 

Through a series of practical, guided activities, you’ll identify potential audiences for your research, map pathways from research findings to real-world change, and consider how to engage with the people who could use or benefit from your work. 

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your research’s potential for impact and a practical next step towards developing it.

Session Outcomes

1. Identify potential audiences and beneficiaries for your research beyond academia.

2. Explore pathways through which research could inform practice, influence policy, or create wider societal benefits.

3. Identify practical engagement activities and next steps to help develop the potential impact of your research.