(S6E4) Rethinking Research Spaces: Developing a Medical Humanities Lab and Redefining Research Practices

Research Culture Uncovered

In our weekly Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter? In this episode of Season 6, Emma Spary chats with Dr Clare Barker and Professor Amelia DeFalco from the University of Leeds about the LivingBodiesObjects project they are working on, empowering alternative ways of conducting research. In this project funded by a Wellcome Trust Research Development Award, the team is pioneering a non-hierarchical leadership model that prioritises accessibility, care, and accountability. They emphasise the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces, challenging conventional approaches, and bridging the gap between researchers and those being researched.

Key topics and messages:

• Importance of creating safe spaces and pushing beyond comfort zones
• Benefits and challenges of developing a non-hierarchical leadership model based on accessibility, care, and accountability
• Alternative research approaches resisting productivity and competition
• Collaboration with Creative Partners for accessible formats using technology
• Bridging the gap between researchers and those being researched
• Space for experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes
• Emphasising health, well-being, and collaboration in the project

This episode focusses on the LivingBodiesObjects project, funded by a Wellcome Trust Research Development Award. You can connect to Clare (@clarefbarker) and Amelia (@AmeliaDefalco) on Twitter/X. You can also follow the project @LBObjects

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:

• Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research talent management with Tony Bromley (follow Tony on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research co-production

Follow us on twitter: @ResDevLeeds (new episodes are announced here), @OpenResLeeds, @ResCultureLeeds

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here)

Leeds Research Culture links:

• Researcher Development and Culture Website
• Our Concordat Implementation plans and progress
• University of Leeds Research Culture Statement
• University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement
• University of Leeds Open Research Statement
• University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023