Written by Samyra Salek, Knowledge Exchange Programme Manager at the University of Sussex.
Hello. I’m Samyra Salek, and three months ago, I embarked on a thrilling new journey, joining the Knowledge Exchange team as the Programme Manager at the University of Sussex. While I’ve been navigating the academic world since 2019, this role feels like stepping into an entirely new universe that spans the entire university and brings endless possibilities.
When I applied for the Advocate Tickets to the PraxisAuril Conference 2024, my motivation was simple yet profound: I wanted to immerse myself in the wisdom of industry experts and align my fresh start with the ever-evolving landscape of Knowledge Exchange. The political and financial shifts in the UK and the University of Sussex's 2035 strategy signalled a time of transformation. This conference was my gateway to understanding and embracing these changes.
When I stepped into the conference, I was filled with anticipation and excitement. The environment was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and camaraderie. It was the perfect introduction to the sector’s vibrant community for a newcomer like me. Everyone was open, welcoming, and ready to engage in meaningful conversations and share their insights.
The presentations at the conference were a revelation. They not only provided new insights but also validated the discussions we’ve been having within our team at Sussex. This validation was a powerful reminder that our challenges and ideas resonate more broadly. The unity and shared purpose that emerged from these discussions were comforting and inspiring. I decided to focus on the talks on Leadership and Professionalism, which highlighted the critical role of robust processes and data analysis in strategic decision-making. The insights shared underscored the importance of leveraging data to highlight our expertise and make informed choices. It became evident that efficient processes are beneficial and essential for progress and success.
Among the many enlightening sessions, a few stood out brilliantly. The session on Knowledge Exchange Strategy by Mr Tom Bramald, Mr Saq Rasul, and Mr James Hastie was a masterclass in strategic thinking and process management. Their emphasis on clear, actionable strategies resonated deeply with me. "Tales from the Frontline: Redefining Knowledge Exchange" was equally captivating with Ms. Christina Blakey, Adnan Bayyat, and Ambalika Batra-Penny. Christina’s journey of implementing agile processes and building a KE department from scratch was a story of innovation and resilience that awakened me.
As I reflect on this incredible experience, I can't help but acknowledge the profound impact it has had on my professional growth. The PraxisAuril Conference 2024 provided a panoramic view of the Knowledge Exchange landscape, showcasing its transformative power within universities and beyond. The openness of the discussions was invigorating, offering practical solutions to common challenges and sparking innovative ideas. One significant takeaway was the complexity every university feels when engaging more researchers in knowledge exchange activities. I found it particularly enriching to join talks where researchers brought their perspectives to the discussions, highlighting the sector's importance from their viewpoint.
Overall, the PraxisAuril Conference 2024 was not just an event but a transformative experience. It was a validation of the skills I am developing in my new role, affirming their value and transferability. Additionally, spending time with my new team from the University of Sussex was a great opportunity to understand key issues and discuss future opportunities. It ignited a passion for innovation and collaboration within me, equipping me with the knowledge and inspiration to drive meaningful change in my new role.
From left to right: Samyra Salek and the Knowledge Exchange team from the University of Sussex.
Samyra Salek,
Knowledge Exchange Programme Manager | Research and Enterprise, Innovation and Business Partnerships, University of Sussex