CREAM Network

This CREAM Network event brought colleagues together to share insights and learning from the ARMA Conference 2026 and KE UK Conference 2026. Guest speaker Prof Gorak-Sosnowska also presented her EARMA paper, “Between Administration and Research Management: The Evolving Role and Recognition of RMAs in Polish Universities”, providing an international perspective and an opportunity to exchange ideas about research management and administration across different contexts.

This CREAM Network event featured an informal fireside chat with Laura-Jane Silverman, Head of LSE Generate, and Keri Rowsell, Head of Operations at 100x Impact. Over coffee and pastries, they shared insights from their “squiggly” career journeys, reflecting on the different experiences, opportunities and pathways that have shaped their careers.

The CREAM Network Support to Attend Bursary widens access to professional development for research-enabling staff across LSE by funding attendance at leading sector conferences. In 2025–26, the pilot supported 10 colleagues to attend the ARMA and Knowledge Exchange UK conferences, helping participants build specialist knowledge, confidence and professional networks while bringing new ideas and good practice back to their teams and the wider LSE research community.

Testimonial:

"The conference was really worthwhile. The sessions I attended covered topics highly relevant to my role, including research culture, AI in research management, and more effective support for research managers. It was interesting to hear how colleagues at other universities are approaching similar challenges and to come away with practical ideas I can use in my own work.

One of the biggest benefits for me was connecting with colleagues across the sector and within the LSE Research and Innovation division. It was reassuring to realise that we all face the same challenges, and I picked up useful ideas and different ways of thinking that I can bring back to my work in my department.

Overall, attending the conference has given me new ideas, a broader perspective on research management, and more confidence in my role. Listening to leaders' talks has inspired me to grow in my role.

I'm very grateful for the support, and I hope the scheme continues, as it's a fantastic opportunity for PSS colleagues working as Research Administrators/Managers in academic departments, who usually work on their own, as this kind of conference facilitates connections."

This event created an opportunity to share and discuss learnings from the ARMA and KE UK Conferences that colleagues attended in June 2025. Through a series of short presentations and an open Q&A, colleagues exchanged key takeaways, emerging developments and opportunities of interest to the wider CREAM Network community.

Bringing together informal networking with professional development and peer exchange, participants at this CREAM Networking Event had time to connect with peers over refreshments before hearing about the new CREAM Network training and events calendar and from Grace McConnell, Deputy Director of Research & Innovation and then Chair-Elect of ARMA, who shared insights from her career journey and the support available through ARMA. The event concluded with an open roundtable discussion, giving participants the opportunity to raise questions and share experiences with colleagues.

Colleagues from across the School joined for an informal networking event and connect with research professional peers.