Derby Impact, Collaboration and Engagement Network

Led by former BBC journalist Chris Jameson and tailored specifically for University of Derby academics, researchers and professional services staff were given the opportunity to engage with newsroom insights and explore interview case studies to demystify the everchanging media landscape. This included discussing what journalists are looking for and how to communicate with clarity under pressure. The session also examined the relationship between media dissemination and research impact. Representatives from the External Relations and Civic Teams also spoke about how to effectively utilise the media to engage the public with research.

Participant feedback:

“Media is an important tool that academics should deploy in showcasing the impact of their research.”

“The guidance on interview techniques was excellent. Some very useful tips/tricks!”

This masterclass supported academics in designing and interpreting surveys to evaluate research impact.

Academics explored how surveys can function not only as data collection tools but also as a means of strengthening engagement and understanding impact. Practical skills in survey design were developed, with a focus on writing clear, unbiased questionnaires and effectively interpreting findings. The session broadened to an exploration of creative surveys with the team from Make/Shift. This demonstrated how a variety of approaches to evaluation can support community-focused and participatory projects.

Participant Feedback:

“Crafting clear and thoughtful questions is essential.”

This session focused on how research can influence policy and practice across public services with a focus on creating persuasive policy narratives for challenging issues and putting the participants voice at the centre of policymaking.

Academics developed strategies for engaging decision-makers, learned to identify key stakeholders, and refined their ability to present clear, evidence-based arguments to influence real-world outcomes.

Participant Feedback:

“I am more confident attending and participating in policy engagement events at the local and national level.”

Hosted at Derby Museum and Art Gallery's Wardwick building, this session examined the role of Participatory Action Research (PAR) in driving real-world change. It featured a keynote by Professor Elena Vachialli, an interactive mapping session facilitated by Professor Alessio D'Angelo, and a panel session bringing together academics and public sector voices.

Working collaboratively, academics strengthened their problem-solving abilities, reflected on community and organisational connections, and engaged with creative methods of participatory evaluation.

Participant Feedback:

“Because of this masterclass I plan to actively look for opportunities to engage in Participatory research and evaluation for continuous improvement.”

“I plan to implement what I have learned in this masterclass, in the way that I approach write and plan my research with collaboration partners.”

This masterclass explored the societal and policy implications of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven research.

A roundtable discussion with speakers representing industry collaborators from Bloc Digital, Rolls Royce, Premtech and AddQual enabled academics to explore applications, risks, and cross-sector impact, encouraging informed and responsible use of AI technologies. Academics considered issues of data quality and ethics, while engaging in cross-sector discussions that deepened their understanding of how tools such as Large Language Models (LLMs) can be applied in research and industry.

Delivered in collaboration with Electric Daisy, this masterclass explored academic, local government, industry, engineering, and environmental science approaches to achieving a zero-carbon future. Speakers included representatives from the University of Derby Zero Carbon Academic Theme, the Nature Connectedness Research Group, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Electric Daisy.

Live demonstrations, discussion, and a hands-on planting activity enabled participants to collaborate, build networks, and connect with nature while exploring practical responses to climate change.  

Participant Feedback:

“I hope to work collaboratively with a number of people who I spoke to during the event.”

“Being presented with information from the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has opened my eyes as to how I can increase local biodiversity.”

Hosted at Dubrek Studios, this masterclass explored co-productive engagement with diverse communities within the Creative and Cultural Industries. It featured a keynote by Professor Martin James on diversity in local music ecosystems, a workshop facilitated by NCACE, and a panel discussion that pulled together good practice recommendations for diverse engagement in the Creative and Cultural Industries.

Academics explored how trust and transparency underpin effective collaboration, while also building confidence in facilitating inclusive, bottom-up approaches and contributing to the development of shared best practice.

Participant feedback:

“This session provided valuable best practice examples and challenged my thinking around diversity and inclusion.”

Delivered in collaboration with the NIHR Research Design Service at the University of Leicester, this session focused on embedding Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research design for health-related projects.

This session strengthened participants ability to critically review projects from patient and public perspectives. Through scenario-based activities, academics developed practical problem-solving skills and gained experience using NHS-informed frameworks to enhance the accessibility and relevance of research. Participants left with a practical toolkit, including NHS guidance to support their planning and review of PPI research plans.

Participant Feedback:

Following this masterclass, I will, “…re-organise planned workshops and adopt everything learnt to future works, from first PPI workshops to funding applications.”

I will implement what I have learned in this masterclass, “…in research grants, but first of all, I’m going to contact the RDS!!”