A lightning talk is a quick, five-minute presentation. You can present a topic of your interest to the wider community - anything ranging from your work, an idea, a problem, or a helpful tool or technique you’d like to share. Anything related to software and research is welcome!
The meeting will be held in a hybrid format. The details are as follows:
- Date: 29th October 2025, Wednesday
- Time: 10:30 AM to 12 PM GMT
- Venue: Room G.08, Booth Street East / Online, Teams
- AccessAble Guide: https://www.accessable.co.uk/the-university-of-manchester/access-guides/booth-street-east-building
There are two registration options available - please note you only have to complete ONE form:
- Registration only: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/nBjn0jJrvu
- Registration and talk submission: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/2etvgjjBYT
If you have any queries or suggestions, kindly message or email Aman Goel.
Confirmed Presentations
Speaker: Phil Reed, eScience Lab
Title: Comparing open source documentation platforms
Abstract: The OSCARS mTeSS-X project includes a deliverable to produce a new set of documentation for the TeSS training platform software. As part of this, a list of open source and free documentation platforms was collected and analysed, considering features such as dark theme, language selection and hosting language. This work can be shared with an interested audience.
Speaker: Jonny Taylor, Research IT
Title: Turing Innovation Catalyst Collaborative R&D: Using research to solve real-world business problems
Abstract: The Turing Innovation Catalyst (TIC) is a part of the University of Manchester’s innovation unit, Unit M, and aims to transform Greater Manchester into an AI superpower. In this talk I will give a short overview of TIC's collaborative R&D programme, pairing businesses with academics to use cutting-edge research to solve real-world problems. I will also discuss some of the key challenges such as access to computing resources, and working with a range of people with varying skills and experience.
Speaker: Adrian Harwood, Research IT - adrian.harwood@manchester.ac.uk
Title: DisCouRSE: Developing a Community of Leaders in Digital Research
Abstract: DisCouRSE is a new UKRI-funded Network+ project that will encourage and support the development of leaders across all digital Research Technical Professional (dRTP) roles, resulting in an empowered and connected community equipped to shape the future of digital research.
By focusing on leadership, career pathways, and community collaboration, DisCouRSE will help address long-standing challenges around recognition, progression, and sustainability in the many roles essential to make effective use of the UK’s digital research infrastructure. We consider a broad definition of leadership, encompassing strategic, community, and technical leadership, not just management.
The project brings together partners from academia, the public sector, industry, and international networks to ensure broad impact and relevance. Through its work packages and flexible funding scheme, DisCouRSE will deliver practical tools, frameworks, and opportunities that strengthen both individuals and institutions.
The first round of the DisCouRSE Network's Flexible Funding scheme is accepting applications from 22nd September 2025 until 16:00 GMT on 14th November 2025.
Make sure you have joined the Manchester Research Software Community Teams space ahead of the meeting to keep up to date!
Feel free to share the event with colleagues, friends and all your relevant networks!