Introduction to Research Adjacent (Episode 1) | Sarah introduces herself, the story behind the podcast, and previews upcoming episodes

It's time! Research Adjacent has been brewing for a couple of months now and I'm so excited to share the first episode with you. Most episodes will be an interview with a brilliant research-adjacent professional, but for today it's just me.

I share the story behind the podcast including...

• A bit about my 20+ years as a research adjacent professional (get the full story here)
• How I came up with the idea for this podcast (more on that in this blog, and this one too)
• Why I decided to call the podcast, and my entire career, Research Adjacent
• What to expect including a preview of the next 8 episodes

Find all episodes, blog posts, and sign up for notifications at www.researchadjacent.com

Follow the podcast on Twitter @ResAdjacent

Theme music by Vitaliy Levkin from Pixabay

Mentioned in this episode:

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

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/