In this episode ‘Sparking Impact: The People, Values, and Vibe of the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum with Dr Vicky Ward’ Ged Hall talks to Dr. Vicky Ward (Reader in Management at the University of St. Andrews) about the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum and her period as its Chair. They discuss the unique world of knowledge mobilisation and what makes the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum so special, including its aims and format.

The key takeaways from the discussion are:

🔹 Discover Vicky’s fascinating journey from music PhD to leading knowledge mobilisation in the UK.

🔹 Learn the origins and evolution of the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum, and how it’s built a vibrant, supportive community.

🔹 Explore what makes the Forum different from traditional conferences: interactive workshops, knowledge fayres, and a focus on collaboration over presentations.

🔹 Hear about the Forum’s core values—sustainability, inclusivity, and creating a safe, energising space for practitioners and researchers.

If you’re passionate about making research matter and building connections across sectors, the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum is for you.

To follow, connect and attend the Forum, check out the following:

• The Forum’s LinkedIn page (UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum)
• The Forum’s website (https://knowledgemobilisation.net/), where you can also check out who is on the Forum committee.
• The email address to be added to the distribution list: [email protected]

To connect with Vicky, take a look at her LinkedIn profile and her University profile page

Vicky's paper that influenced Ged's early research impact workshops is Ward, V., Foy, R., House, A., Smith, S., & Hamer, S. (2010). Planning for knowledge translation: a researcher’s guide. Evidence & Policy, 6(4), 527-541. Retrieved Sep 19, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1332/174426410X535882

She also produced a technical report with other colleagues, called "Knowledge Brokering. Exploring the process of transferring knowledge into action", that had some great visuals in it that was also extremely valuable (thanks Vicky!).

Related episodes:

• (S9/E4) Scottish Policy Research Exchange: Empowering Equitable Decision-Making: a discussion with Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin and Dave Blackbell, who are SPRE's Co-Directors. Catherine-Rose (or CR) will be co-chairing the UK Knowledge Mobilisation Forum in 2026.
• (Episode 126) Research Impact Heroes: Dr Julie Bayley on Finding Your People

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: 

• Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
• Research Impact Heroes with Ged Hall
• Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
• Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
• Research talent management
• Academic Failure with Taryn Bell (follow Taryn on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
• Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Bluesky and LinkedIn)
• Research co-production
• Research evaluation
• Research leadership
• Research professionals

Follow us on Bluesky: @researcherdevleeds.bsky.social (new episodes are announced here), @openresleeds.bsky.social, @researchcultureuol.bsky.social 

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) 

Leeds Research Culture links: 

• Researcher Development and Culture Website
• Our Concordat Implemention plans and progress
• University of Leeds Research Culture Statement
• University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement 
• University of Leeds Open Research Statement 
• University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023

If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: [email protected]