Ally Hughes is Project Manager for the Scottish Universities Life Sciences Alliance, also known as SULSA. SULSA fosters research collaborations between different organisations, different disciplines and even different countries.

Sarah and Ally talk about:

1. Her current role which keeps her connected to research with lots of variety and learning opportunities
2. Brokering research collaborations between Scotland and Germany and tackling diversity in STEM
3. How an industrial placement and being a student rep for SULSA opened her eyes to the job possibilities beyond academia
4. Mental health challenges, especially during her PhD, and the professional and personal support that pulled her through
5. Why greater cooperation and collaboration are key to tackling massive global challenges

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect with Ally on LinkedIn
3. Find out about SULSA on their website, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram

About Research Adjacent

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2. Sign up to the podcast newsletter
3. Email Sarah a comment, question or suggestion
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Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling

What do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/

Leeds Research Adjacent Community Networking

Come along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1