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Research Unplugged
Research Unplugged
Research Unplugged is a new initiative for 2025-26, designed to demystify the research process making it more accessible and engaging for everyone. From 15-minute bitesize sessions, introductory research methodology sessions, to in-depth discussions on real-world impact, this programme has something for everyone—whether you're just starting out in research or looking to expand your knowledge.
Created based on feedback from both staff and students, Research Unplugged aims to simplify and clarify key aspects of research, making it easier to navigate at every stage.
Sessions will be automatically added to the Outlook calendars of PGR and Academic Staff throughout the year. However, if you’d like to book onto any of the sessions or need more information, please contact researchoffice@wrexham.ac.uk.
| Session | Date / Time | Location | Session Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Engaging with the Senedd |
8th October 2025 13:30-15:00 |
Hybrid B103 |
Engaging with the Senedd will focus on demystifying the evidence-giving process and include insights from a panel discussion. Participants will be guided through written and verbal evidence, learn how to identify and access opportunities to contribute, and explore a real-life case study to bring the process to life. Learning Outcomes |
|
Internal Peer Review Process and how to get involved |
14th November 10:00-10:15 |
Online | This brief session introduces the internal peer review process for research outputs submitted to the REF (Research Excellence Framework). It will explain how the process works, the benefits of enhancing research quality, what is expected from reviewers, and how being involved can advance your research journey and professional development. The session will emphasise that all colleagues play a vital role in the REF exercise. |
| Getting your research out there |
19th November 13:00-14:30 |
in person B09 |
Getting Your Research Out There (#AcWriMo25) will focus on practical ways to share your work more widely. The session will cover different methods of dissemination, offer guidance on tailoring your writing and presenting to suit your audience and platform, and provide space to talk through your research to identify fresh pathways to impact. Learning Outcomes |
|
Introduction to Qualitative Research |
25th November 2025 13:00-14:00 |
in person B14 |
This session provides an introduction to qualitative research, focusing on the theoretical understandings and assumptions that form the basis of this approach. Attendees will explore key research paradigms and learn to distinguish between positivist, post-positivist, critical, and constructivist perspectives. The session will also introduce common qualitative methods and strategies for data collection, helping attendees understand how philosophical assumptions influence practical research decisions. Designed for both students and staff, this session aims to build confidence in applying qualitative research across various academic contexts. Learning Outcomes |
|
From Stats to Stories: Using Quantitative Data for Real-World Change |
3rd December 10:00-11:00 |
Hybrid B103 |
From Stats to Stories: Using Quantitative Data for Real-World Change invites researchers working with numerical datasets to think beyond the numbers. This session will explore the stories your data can tell, the real-world impact it can have, and how to translate figures into meaningful benefits. This session is a nice precursor to our Semester 2 session on developing REF impact case studies. Learning Outcomes |
| REF 2029 What we know so far |
4th December 10:00-10:15 |
Online |
This 15-minute session provides a brief update on REF 2029. We will outline what has been confirmed, highlight the differences from REF 2021, and discuss what is still under consideration. Additionally, we will explore the implications of these changes for staff in terms of outputs, impact, and the people, culture, and environment. We will also suggest practical steps to begin preparing for these changes now. The session will conclude with resources for further information and ways to remain involved as REF 2029 evolves. |
| REF Impact Case Study: Mapping the Route from Research to REF |
22nd January 2026 10:30-12:00 |
Hybrid B103 |
REF Impact Case Study: Mapping the Route from Research to REF will use a real case study submitted to REF2021 to illustrate the difference between lower- and higher-rated submissions, comparing 2* with 4*. The session will highlight how ratings directly affect funding, with 2* missing out on QR funding entirely, while 3* and 4* attract support for the university. By backtracking through the process, we’ll look at how strong case studies are developed, drawing out good practices as well as common pitfalls. This session is suitable for anyone considering submitting an impact case study for REF2029 or future research exercises. Having the knowledge and ability to plan for, deliver, and craft impactful research work and effect change will stand you in good stead for potential future academic jobs. |
|
Research Integrity Champions |
29th January 2026 10:00-10:15 |
Online |
This bitesize session introduces the Universities Research Integrity Champions, Professor Wulf Livingston and Professor Karen Heald. They will share insights into their roles and how they can support researchers across the institution. The session offers a valuable opportunity to understand the importance of integrity in research and to learn where to seek guidance when needed. It provides a concise introduction to the role and significance of Research Integrity in fostering a culture of responsible and ethical research. Additionally, it presents a brief overview of the principles of research integrity and outlines the key responsibilities of all staff in promoting best practices. |
| Introduction to Quantitative Research |
11th March 2026 15:00-16:00 |
in person B07 |
This session provides a conceptual and methodological introduction to quantitative research. Aimed at those new to this approach, it will explore key quantitative methods and examine how to design, conduct, and interpret quantitative studies effectively. Participants will also gain an understanding of the tools and techniques needed to analyse numerical data, with guidance on how to apply these methods within their own discipline or research context. Learning Outcomes |
|
Introduction to SPSS |
17th March 2026 14:00-14:45 |
online |
This 45-minute session provides a beginner-friendly introduction to SPSS, guiding attendees through the essential first steps of using the software. You will learn how to start SPSS, define different types of statistical variables, and enter basic data. The session will also introduce simple statistical analyses that can be used to test research hypotheses, helping participants gain confidence in using SPSS for their own research projects. |
|
Trusted Research |
13th April 2026 10:00-10:15 |
Online |
This 15-minute session provides a concise introduction to the principles of trusted research, emphasising the importance of conducting research with integrity, honesty, and transparency. The session will cover essential aspects of risk management, including identifying sensitive research, performing due diligence on collaborators, ensuring export control compliance, protecting intellectual property, managing conflicts of interest, and being aware of national security risks in international collaborations. Designed as a bitesize overview, the session equips staff with practical guidance to maintain credibility, ethical standards, and responsible practices across all stages of their research. |
|
Introduction to Gorilla |
30th April 2026 14:00-14:30 |
online |
This session provides a beginner-friendly introduction to Gorilla, a platform for designing and running online experiments. Attendees will learn the basics of setting up studies, creating tasks, and collecting data, gaining practical skills to get started with their own research projects. The session is designed for researchers new to Gorilla and aims to build confidence in using the platform effectively. |
|
The Art of Research |
13th May 2026 12:00-16:00 |
in person R21 |
This session will take you out of your usual research environment. Participants will be paired with creative artists to explore their research journeys on a blank canvas. The goal is to immerse yourself in an exercise that encourages you to think and work differently, opening new avenues for exploration. Additional activities will facilitate networking and promote "outside the box" thinking. Due to the one-on-one nature of this project, spaces are limited, and early registration is recommended. Learning Outcomes |
|
Introduction to R |
21st May 2026 10:00-10:30 |
online |
This session provides a beginner-friendly introduction to R & RStudio, a powerful software environment for statistical computing and data analysis. Attendees will learn the basics of navigating through RStudio, entering and managing data, and performing simple analyses and visualizations using R. The session is designed for researchers new to R, RStudio and statistical modelling and aims to build confidence in using it to support research projects. |
|
REF Impact Case Study: Mapping the Route from Research to REF |
3rd June 2026 10:30-12:00 |
Hybrid B103 |
REF Impact Case Study: Mapping the Route from Research to REF will use a real case study submitted to REF2021 to illustrate the difference between lower- and higher-rated submissions, comparing 2* with 4*. |
|
Your Personal Research Plan |
16th June 2026 |
online |
This session guides acadmics through the process of creating a personal research plan to support your academic and professional development. Attendees will learn how to set clear research objectives, outline strategies to achieve them, and identify the skills, resources, and milestones needed to progress. |
|
Introduction to NvVivo |
25th June 2026 14:00-14:45 |
online |
This 45-minute session provides a brief, practical introduction to NVivo, a software tool for qualitative and mixed-methods data analysis. Attendees will learn the basics of importing and organising data, coding text, and exploring simple patterns and themes. Designed for beginners, the session aims to give a quick, hands-on overview to help researchers start using NVivo effectively in their projects. |
