ERA Energy Research Accelerator

Dealing with Evaluation Data
2026-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/London) | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session designed to help you work confidently with evaluation data and turn it into powerful stories of impact in a Net-Zero context.
In this workshop, you’ll discover:

What types of data to collect and how to design robust questions
Approaches for processing qualitative data effectively
How to present evidence in clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate meaningful change

By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to capture, process, and report evaluation data that showcases the real impact of your projects.

Date and time:

Friday 20 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Dealing with Evaluation Data: 20 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

How to Use LinkedIn as a Researcher
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session that will transform how you view LinkedIn as a career tool.
In this hands-on workshop, Dr Naomi Tyrrell – researcher, evaluator, and career coach for academics – will show you how LinkedIn can become one of your most valuable resources, whether you’re staying in academia or exploring new professional paths.

You’ll learn:

How to create a compelling and credible profile that reflects your expertise
Practical ways to build meaningful connections and grow your professional network
How to use LinkedIn strategically for research visibility, collaboration, and career opportunities
Why LinkedIn matters for researchers now more than ever – even if others say it’s not the right platform!

This isn’t just theory – you’ll see real examples of how researchers have used LinkedIn to attract collaborations, consultancy work, guest speaker appearances, and job offers.
Date and time:
Thursday 26 February 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via How to Use LinkedIn as a Researcher: 26 February 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

FutureProof Your Research Career
2026-03-04 10:00 - 12:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session drawing on Naomi’s LEAP and FutureProof Programmes.
In this career-focused workshop, participants will:

Take stock of core strengths and transferable skills
Understand the changing research landscape
Explore a wide range of career paths in universities, policy, charities, consulting, and industry
Learn how to use AI to support job searching
Translate academic experience for non-academic roles and prepare for interviews

By the end of the session, you’ll have practical strategies to future-proof your career and confidently navigate opportunities within and beyond academia.
Date and time:
Thursday 4 March 2026, 13:00-15:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via FutureProof Your Research Career: 4 March 2026, 10:00am-12:00pm– C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

How to Develop ‘Real-World’ Impact with Academic Research
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for this focused workshop that explores how you can ensure your academic research has a positive impact beyond academia. I discuss the stages involved in developing a real-world impact strategy, starting with knowledge exchange and leading onto measurable societal benefits. Using practical examples from a range of social science, arts and humanities projects across multiple disciplines, including net-zero that I have led, I show you how to focus and build your network so that your strategy achieves maximum impact! I highlight the skills needed for navigating research cultures within and beyond academia, exploring what is similar and what is different, and why these differences matter. By the end of the session, you will be confident in creating an impact plan for your research project and be clear on how to build your alt-ac network.
Date and time:
Friday 6 March 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via How to Develop ‘Real-World’ Impact with Academic Research: 6 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Exploring alternatives to academic careers
2026-03-12 10:00 - 11:00 | On-line via Zoom
If you’re a postdoctoral researcher or final-stage PhD student, you are likely already aware that academic pathways can be competitive and unpredictable. With around 75% of PhD graduates building careers beyond academia, it is more important than ever to understand the wide range of opportunities available.
This C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) workshop will help you explore diverse career paths outside traditional academic roles, offering practical insights, clarity, and confidence as you navigate your next steps, whether inside or outside academia.

Date and time:
Thursday 12 March 2026, 10:00-11:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Dr Naomi Tyrrell is an ICF Accredited Coach and runs Europe’s largest advice network for alternative-to-academic careers. After 18 years in academia, Naomi now runs an evaluation consultancy and training business. She is passionate about helping people and organisations develop their strengths and navigate periods of growth, offering expertise in areas such as programme monitoring, evaluation, organisational development AI training and executive coaching.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Exploring alternative to academic careers: 12 March 2026, 10:00-11:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

Lasting Impression: A Quick Guide to Creating Interesting, Memorable and Engaging Presentations
2026-03-13 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session designed to help you deliver presentations that truly stand out.

Discover how to give the most engaging, interesting, and memorable presentations possible. This workshop will guide you through the secrets of creating a standout presentation—from design to delivery. Learn how to banish nerves, build confidence, and craft a compelling narrative around even the most complex topics.
By the end, you’ll have practical strategies to make your presentations impactful and unforgettable.

Date and time:
Friday 13 March 2026, 13:00-14:00, Online via Zoom
Presenter biography:
Jamie is an award-winning communicator and engagement professional with ten years’ experience in the delivery and evaluation of quality engagement projects. Working across dozens of institutions and subject areas he has helped improve the reach, profile and impact of research engagement in almost every discipline.
Eligibility:
This event is open to postdocs, final-stage PhDs from UK universities and ERA associated PhD students.
How to register:
Please register your interest via Lasting Impression: A Quick Guide to Creating Interesting, Memorable and Engaging Presentations: 13 March 2026, 13:00-14:00 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button in that link.
We will contact you by email if we need further information or if we are unable to offer you a place. If your registration is successful, you will receive an Outlook calendar invitation confirming your place at the workshop.

ERA Conference 2026 - Register your interest
2026-06-16 | Vaillant Live, 2 Colyear Street, Derby, DE1 1LA, United Kingdom
Free to attend – Register your interest today!
Get ready for the region’s biggest ever energy event! The Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) Conference 2026 will bring together leading experts, researchers, and innovators to explore the future of energy.
From hydrogen and nuclear, to battery technology, energy storage, bioenergy, AI in energy and much more, this event will showcase the very latest in energy innovation, research, and technology.
Join us as we look ahead to a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable energy future.
Network with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge research, and be part of the conversation shaping the UK’s energy landscape.
Register your interest now to secure your place at this free conference and receive updates as the full programme is announced.
