Connecting Research Culture Conference 2026
Connecting Research Culture Conference 2026
The Connecting Research Culture Conference 2026, hosted by The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. The two-day event will bring together colleagues from across the BBSRC institute network, universities and the wider research community to share ideas, practical approaches and experiences that can help create positive and sustainable research environments.
Connecting people.
Sharing practice.
Shaping research culture.
The 2026 conference will build on the momentum, connections and learning established last year while broadening the conversation beyond equity, diversity and inclusion to explore the many factors that shape research culture.
What to expect?
The programme combines keynote and plenary sessions, panel discussions, interactive workshops and opportunities for networking and peer learning.
Sessions will explore a range of research culture themes, including:
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Research integrity and open research practices
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Leadership and management in research environments
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Career pathways and recognising diverse contributions
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Wellbeing and sustainable research practices
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Team science and collaborative working
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Recognition systems, including narrative CVs and contribution frameworks
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Data management and research quality
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Policy influence and research impact
The conference is designed to bring together people across different career stages and professional roles, creating space to share practical approaches, learn from one another and develop new connections across institutions.
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Relaxed environment with casual dress code
The 2025 conference demonstrated the value of bringing the BBSRC institute network together to share learning and strengthen connections around research culture. Feedback from the inaugural event showed a strong appetite to continue this work, with particular interest in practical approaches and a broader understanding of research culture. The 2026 conference will build on what worked well in 2025 while introducing new themes, perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.
Who is the conference for?
The conference will bring together up to 200 delegates from the eight BBSRC institutes, partner universities and other research culture stakeholders.
The event is designed for colleagues across different career stages and professional roles, creating opportunities for strategic discussion, practical peer learning and informal networking.