After I completed my PhD in 2024, I realised it was time to tackle my next challenge. As an academic, knowledge exchange (KE) and working with external partners had always been an important part of my career. So, when the opportunity came last year to become a Knowledge Exchange and Impact Manager at the University of Sheffield, I knew this was the logical next step. A next step that would inspire and challenge me to do something that I could be proud of. 

Finding My Place in Knowledge Exchange

Transitioning across to the other side of Higher Education has so far been a brilliant decision. It has felt like the perfect fit for me and has only been made more exciting after attending the KEUK Conference in Newport. The energy in every room was palpable and stimulating, with people from all over coming together in the spirit of collaboration and innovation. The theme of the conference ‘Knowledge Exchange for the Future’ resonated with me strongly. The focus on future-proofing knowledge exchange through forging resilient partnerships while maintaining high standards for inclusivity and innovation responded to a real-world challenge I see every day in my job and aim to tackle. 

Learning from Regional Growth and Community Empowerment  

There were two sessions that highlighted the theme particularly well. The first was the session ‘Leveraging KE for Regional Growth and Resilience – Regional Growth and Community Empowerment’ with Daniel Hewlett and Kate Marsham (University of Essex) and Lynsey Robinson (Teesside University). Two examples from two different universities, where working relationships with local partners were established as a way to fortify the university’s strength in the area and use it for community good and growth. It was inspirational to hear passionate people turn talk into action and clarify and demystify processes that, at first glance, seem complex and impenetrable. I will definitely be taking lessons and advice from this session into my and my team’s future activities, following their examples! 

Putting Community Voices at the Centre

The second session was ‘Let them eat CAKE! An Interactive Workshop Exploring the Establishment of a Community Engagement Group – Regional Growth and Community Empowerment’ with Jessica Boot-Marshall, Christian Blanchette, Amie Garforth and Ranbir Jabanda (Lincoln Institute for Rural and Coastal Health, University of Lincoln). In groups of 6, we were asked to design different community members by drawing on small wooden peg dolls and giving them individual backstories. Then, in group discussions, we explored how they engaged with the local community and how we could ensure more positive participation. This was a truly powerful session and reminded us of all what we were ultimately there at the conference to improve people’s lives through understanding and interconnected, “bigger picture” thinking. 

Leaving Inspired and Ready for Action

The chance to attend the KEUK conference is one that I am very grateful for. It’s rare to leave a conference feeling energised and genuinely excited to get to work. My brain has been buzzing ever since and I am excited to put into practice what I have learned and gained from the experience. Thank you all for making my first KEUK conference (hopefully of many) such a great experience. 

Dr Cian Hurley
Knowledge Exchange & Impact Manager, The University of Sheffield