More Than Meanwhile Collaborations: Re-thinking Partnerships with Industry (November 2020-March 2021)
This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, Impact Acceleration Account [Commissioned by Newcastle University]
Principle Investigator:
Dr Emma Coffield
Team: Dr Paul Richter, Dr Rebecca Prescott, David Butler, Rebecca Huggan
Research Assistant:
Dr Alix Ferrer-Yulfo
More Than Meanwhile Collaborations
More Than Meanwhile Collaborations is a series of four online workshops for Early Career Researchers and PhD candidates in the social sciences, open to those studying at any of the NINE DTP institutions. The workshops aim to provide support for those thinking about forming partnerships with industry as well as those who might feel a bit… well… put off by the term industry!
What we’re exploring in this series is a range of external partnerships that those working in the social sciences might want to develop. In this case, that means exploring research and impact partnerships that include profit-making companies – but those companies might yet be located in the public and/or creative sector, and we would include social enterprises in this category too (e.g. those run both for a social mission and profit).
The aim is simply to help you think ‘beyond’ the university when it comes to research projects, and (potentially) to increase the impact of your work.
To aid in this, we’ll give you time to develop your own research/impact ideas and proposals – with our support – and we’ll focus on ethical working models and space for open discussion and exchange.
Each session will start with a ‘provocation’ from the MTMS team, who will share their own experiences of partnership and team work – good and bad! This might be a panel talk, a chat, or a more formal presentation, but everyone will get the chance to work in small groups to develop their own ideas and ask questions. And there will be chance to meet like-minded peers, guest speakers from industry – and possible collaborators too!
All the sessions are free, but booking is limited to 30 spaces per event. So do book your space quickly. New booking links will be announced on this webpage first, so do check back.
Book now:
Event 1 Getting Started: 7/12/20 1-3pm.
Event 2 Managing Tension: 18/01/2021 1-3pm.
Event 3 Rethinking Project Management: 15/02/2021 1-3pm
Event 4 Pacing Yourself: 15/03/2021 1-3pm. Book your place at: https://forms.ncl.ac.uk/view.php?id=10536637
More detail on each event can be found below.
Getting Started
(Monday 7th December 2020, 1-3pm)
In this first session we’ll re-think some of the myths and stereotypes that surround terms like ‘industry’ and ‘business’ (and which might be putting you off – so do come along even if you’re not sure!). We’ll then cover some practical hints and tips to get you started, including idea generation, how to reach out to a new partner, and who (and what) to pay! Special Guest: Dr Brian Moss. Brian Moss is User Research Lead for Sopra Steria.
The slides from this event can be downloaded here:
Managing Tension
(Monday 18th January 2021, 1-3pm)
In this session we’ll look at ways to productively manage and make space for tension, looking at ways to resolve or explore common frustrations, as well as the role of brokers. This is one we’ve thought a lot about over the MTMS projects, so we’re keen to share! Special Guests: Dr Bethany Rex and Anna Pepperall. Bethany Rex is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies at the University of Warwick. She is currently researching austerity and local authority museum services. Anna Pepperall is a Freelance Arts Consultant. Until 2017, she was Public Arts Curator for Gateshead Council.
The slides from this event can be downloaded here:
Re-thinking Project Management
(Monday 15th February 2021, 1-3pm)
Here, we’ll discuss some newer ideas for project management and cover some of the challenges we faced – including the design of meaningful RA roles, how to plan projects when you’re planning for a family at the same time, and thinking again about power and contribution within the team. Special Guest: Dr Jon Swords (Senior Research Fellow / Senior Lecturer in Creative Industries, University of York)
Pacing Yourself
(Monday 15th March 2021, 1-3pm)
In the final event, we’ll look at issues like over-reaching/promising, and some of our feelings about trying to do long-term work on short-term contracts. We’ll also cover things like setting expectations, building momentum, juggling multiple (small) projects – and making time for yourself and your team! Special Guest: Dr Roberta Comunian (Reader in Creative Economy, Kings College London)
More Than Meanwhile 