Connecting, Learning and Sharing in York
The 2025 Daphne Jackson Fellows’ Event comprised of current Fellows, future Fellows, Trustees and Awards Assessment Panel members and Daphne Jackson Staff for an energising two days in York. Celebrating the collective community and ambition at the heart of the Daphne Jackson Trust. The first evening welcomed all delegates for a Trust update, dinner and networking – providing a chance to build new connections, gain a sneak peak of our impact statistics and reflect on the day.
From Strong Stories to Smart AI
The event emphasised the importance of networking and the value of a trusted community supporting researchers as they return to their careers, while also offering practical training designed to build confidence, capability and connections.
The programme began with Storyslingers – How to Tell Stories About Your Research, led by Laura Evans-Hill of Nifty Fox Creative. Fellows learned how to transform complex research into clear, engaging stories for policymakers, funders, and the public. Drawing on her experience as a social researcher and trainer, Laura showed how visual storytelling and strong communication can increase the impact of research.
The second workshop, Working in a World Powered by AI, was delivered by Dr Marie Oldfield. Fellows were introduced to key AI concepts, with a focus on risk, ethics, and the responsibilities of researchers. Dr Oldfield emphasised safe, accountable use of AI – skills increasingly essential across research and industry.
Championing Communication
Fellows then had the opportunity to put their skills into practice with with lively Fellows’ presentations, where several took to the stage to showcase their storytelling skills. Each Fellow shared a powerful two-minute insight into their research and why it matters. The event concluded with dedicated regional networking sessions, helping participants build relationshps with other Fellows across the UK.
Some of the topics people discussed during in regional networking included:
- The challenges of part-time working in a predominantly full-time working culture.
- The importance of selecting the right supervisor – someone who supports the Fellow as a person, not just the research – and not simply accepting the first person who agrees.
- How current Fellows had found the Daphne Jackson Trust training sessions and webinars useful, especially those featuring former Fellows sharing advice on life after a fellowship.
Fellows’ Event Feedback
What did you like most about the event?
“I loved it all. Training sessions were great but most of all I loved ‘the heart’ that shines through from all of the DJT team. That is a really unique part of the Daphne Jackson and something that has supported me the most!”
“The chance to meet other fellows!! We are all busy and geographically apart, meetings like this let us gather and talk science and the challenges we face in a supportive, non judgemental environment. I left York feeling re-energised and ready to take on the last leg of my fellowship!”
“Opportunities to network and to be with fellow fellows and members of the Trust. The venue was superb, as was the organisation and the food. The DJT community is very special and I always feel honoured and privileged to be amongst so many dynamic and talented individuals. A huge thank you to all who made it happen!”
A big thank you to everyone who joined us in York and helped make the 2025 Fellows’ Event such an energising and memorable occasion.
Check out our hashtags on social media; #researchreturners #DaphneJackson25
