Novel event organisation for InRA dRTPs

Innovation Research Associate (InRA) is a new and expanding type of digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) role aimed at producing impactful mathematical sciences research. In contrast to traditional academic pathways, InRA roles centre on interdisciplinarity and cross-sector collaboration. As a result, the ability to communicate effectively with both mathematicians and non-mathematicians is essential. Navigating landscapes of complementary skillsets and contrasting expertise is a complex challenge.

Experience in organising novel and effective events that facilitate knowledge transfer and collaboration will therefore be a key skill for future InRA leaders. However, there is currently a gap in the training offered to InRAs and to dRTPs more broadly which is often focused on technical skills, or on event organisation aimed at narrow, specialist audiences for example, standard conference formats.

There is now a growing appetite for greater encouragement to explore the full range of possibilities in event design, including format, facilitation, activities, seating, venue, and other environmental factors. These variables all contribute to the atmosphere of an event and, if thoughtfully harnessed, can help curate effective collaborative environments for dRTPs.

This project will deliver a two-part training series for a small cohort of InRAs, providing them with the space to explore innovative approaches to event delivery and to experiment with new ways of fostering collaboration.