Build Your Own AI Research Tool
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/London) | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused two-hour session designed to show researchers how AI can support every stage of the research process. This session guides researchers through creating a personalised AI tool. Participants will see how to design a GPT/Gem/Agent for their own topic area, set boundaries and instructions, upload supporting documents, and use it for analysis, synthesis, coding frameworks, admin and writing. It includes examples of how researchers across disciplines are using custom tools.
Requirements:
You will need access to a paid ChatGPT Plus or Pro account in order to build your own Custom GPT, access to Agents in Copilot (check in the lefthand sidebar if Agents is visible in your institutional access), or access to Google’s Gemini (free).
Date and time:
Thursday 5 February 2026, 10:30-12:30, 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.
Please register your interest via Build Your Own AI Research Tool, 5 February 2026, 10:30-12:30 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button.
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.

AI for Faster, Smarter Research Workflows
2026-02-06 10:30 - 11:30 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused one-hour session designed to show researchers how AI can support every stage of the research process. This practical session demonstrates how to streamline everyday research tasks with AI. Participants will learn how to use tools like Copilot and ChatGPT to speed up literature reviews, extract insights from documents, explore qualitative or quantitative data, and create first-draft text for papers, reports, and policy briefings. The session focuses on accuracy, transparency, and responsible use.
Date and time:
Friday 6 February 2026, 10:30-11:30, 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 AI for Faster, Smarter Research Workflows, 6 February 2026, 10:30-11:30 – C-DICE and clicking the Book Online button.
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 Do Consultancy
2026-02-12 13:00 - 15:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for this practical workshop is designed for researchers who are curious about consultancy but are unsure where to start. It demystifies what consultancy actually involves and how academic skills translate into paid advisory, research and evaluation work beyond the university.
Participants will explore different consultancy models, how to position their expertise for non-academic clients, and the practical realities of finding work, pricing, and managing projects. The session also covers common pitfalls for first-time consultants. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a clearer sense of whether consultancy is right for them and a realistic, actionable starting point for moving from academic expertise to external consultancy work.
Date and time:
Thursday 12 February 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 How to Do Consultancy: 12 February 2026, 13:00-15:00 – 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.

Event Planning for Public Engagement
2026-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for a focused session exploring the practical elements of planning accessible, inclusive, and engaging experiences for the public.
This session will guide you through the essentials of event design, including:

Creating compelling titles and promotional copy
Building realistic timelines
Managing risks effectively
Working collaboratively with partners

You’ll leave with a clear, actionable framework to turn your ideas into successful public events.

Date and time:
Friday 13 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 Event Planning for Public Engagement: 13 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.

Online Writing Retreat for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students
2026-02-18 13:00 - 16:30 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) in a quiet, structured space for postdoctoral researchers and PhD students to focus on their writing. The session is designed to give participants protected time to work on their own projects, with light structure and peer presence to support focus and momentum.
Participants are welcome to work on any form of academic writing, including journal articles, thesis chapters, grant applications, reports, or other research outputs. If you have been meaning to make progress on something but haven’t had the space, this is a chance to step back and write.
What the session will involve
The retreat will include:

A short welcome and goal setting at the start

Several extended writing blocks

Short breaks between writing sessions

A check-in towards the end to reflect on progress and next steps

Who is this for
This session is open to:

Postdoctoral researchers

PhD students at any stage

You do not need to have a finished draft. The retreat is suitable whether you are starting, revising, or trying to move a stalled piece of writing forward.
Why attend
Many researchers find it difficult to protect time for writing during busy working weeks. This retreat provides:

Dedicated writing time

A clear structure to support focus

A shared space with other researchers working quietly alongside you

Access and joining
The event will take place online via Zoom. Registered participants will receive joining details in advance. Participants will be expected to bring a writing project to work on. To register for this event please visit Online Writing Retreat for Postdoctoral Researchers and PhD Students, 18 February 2026, 13:00 – 16:30 – C-DICE and follow the ‘Book Online’ link.

Researchers on TikTok: Creating, filming and editing short form video content
2026-02-19 13:00 - 14:00 | On-line via Zoom
Join C-DICE and Energy Research Accelerator (ERA) for an engaging session exploring how TikTok and short-form video can be powerful tools to share research, grow audiences, and amplify ideas.

TikTok has evolved far beyond pet videos and dance trends—it now hosts a thriving community of researchers sharing active research content. In this session, you’ll learn:

How to plan, film, and edit short videos
Tips for producing high-quality content easily and cost-effectively
Strategies to make your research engaging and accessible through video

By the end, you’ll have practical skills to create impactful videos that connect with wider audiences.

Date and time:

Thursday 19 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 Researchers on TikTok: Creating, filming and editing short form video content, 19 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.

Dealing with Evaluation Data
2026-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 | 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.
