Leadership

This session will consider the funding that is available at both local and national levels. It will cover how sources of funding are relevant to all career stages and roles.

The panel will offer advice on how to prepare a business case and some of the internal and external factors that will influence decision-makers. How you can influence and engage with consultation processes will also be discussed.

Panellists: James Graham, Jeremy Cohen, Mark Wilkinson, Michael Holliday, Kay Yeung

How to Fund Your Research Project: Grant Writing for Academic and Non-Academic DRI Professionals The art of directing funding to your project or idea is as applicable to those campaigning for a new coffee machine as it is to those putting together multi-million pound interdisciplinary projects.

Writing grants can be one of the most challenging aspects of a research career, often leading to feelings of uncertainty and frustration. This session will guide you through the entire grant-writing process, from deciphering funding calls to crafting compelling proposals and ensuring all required documentation is in place. Whether you're an academic or non-academic DRI professional, we'll equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of grant funding and secure the resources you need to bring your research ideas to life.

Panellists: David Jenkins, Jeremy Cohen, Marion Weinzierl, Matt Probert, Kay Yeung

Building an effective team with complementary skills, personalities, perspectives and opinions takes time and care.

This panel discussion will outline some of the more successful approaches to building diverse and inclusive teams. We will also discuss communication tools and how to build effective mechanisms for working with other elements of the DRI landscape in a way that is inclusive and effective.

Panellists: Andrew (Ed) Edmonson, Emma Hogan, James Graham, Jeremy Cohen, Mariann Hardey, Marion Weinzierl, Oz Parchment

Sometimes, just building an effective team isn’t enough.

In this session the discussion will focus on how you develop and embed you and your teams’ ideals into a long-term strategic vision. Panellists will explain how you identify goals and milestones, mitigate risk, and ultimately discuss what success will look like.

Developing a Business Model-Driven Approach to Computing Projects

Building an effective team is often insufficient for long-term success. This session will equip you with the skills and strategies to adopt a business model-centric approach to computing projects, ensuring that your technological endeavours align with your business objectives and drive tangible results.

You'll gain insights into the intricacies of market research, customer segmentation, value proposition development, and user understanding through discussions and real-world examples.

This session will empower you to:

• Identify and prioritise market opportunities that resonate with your target audience
• Craft compelling value propositions that address the unique needs and pain points of your customers
• Develop a deep understanding of your user base, enabling you to design products and services that truly matter
• Transform your computing projects from mere technological feats into strategic business drivers

This session is designed for technical and non-technical professionals seeking to bridge the technology and business strategy gap. Whether you're a project manager, software developer, or business analyst, this session will provide the practical tools and knowledge to approach computing projects with a business model focus, ensuring that your efforts translate into measurable value for your organisation.

Panellists: Bill Ayres, Chris Jewell, Chris Woods, Michael Holliday, Oz Parchment, Simon Burbridge, Simon Hood

DRI encompasses diverse professions, each crucial in advancing scientific discovery and innovation. While RSEs have been at the forefront of this shift, the DRI landscape extends into many specialised roles and career paths.

In this session, we'll embark on a journey to explore the intricacies of the DRI professional landscape, delving into the common threads and challenges that unite these diverse roles. We'll examine the professional development opportunities within academia and beyond, highlighting the avenues for individuals to foster their expertise and advance their careers.

Our panellists will share their insights and experiences, providing valuable guidance on navigating the ever-evolving DRI professional landscape. They'll delve into strategies for gaining recognition for the contributions of DRI professionals, drawing parallels from the ongoing efforts to establish the RSE role as a recognised and respected career path.

This session is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking to understand, navigate, and advance in the DRI professional landscape. Whether you're an aspiring DRI professional seeking to chart your career path, an experienced practitioner looking to expand your expertise, or an institutional leader seeking to support the professional development of your DRI team, this session will provide you with invaluable insights and actionable strategies.

Join us as we explore the DRI professional landscape, where recognition and professional development converge.

Panellists: Bill Ayres, Chris Woods, Emma Hogan, Andrew (Ed) Edmondson, Peter Hill, Simon Burbridge