“Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested.” African Proverb
In September 2025, I was honoured to receive a UKRI-sponsored bursary to attend the Vitae International Researcher Development Conference (#VitaeCon2025), held online and subsequently in person at We The Curious, Bristol. This flagship event brought together a global community of researcher developers, academics, and professionals committed to advancing inclusive, impactful research cultures.
Key reflections
The in-person theme, ‘Reimagining research careers: navigating changing landscapes’, resonated deeply with my own journey as a legal academic and researcher. From the opening keynote by Dr Wayne Mitchell to the powerful panel on Levelling the Landscape: Social Class and Equality in UK Higher Education, the sessions challenged us to re-think how we support diverse researcher pathways. I particularly valued the community workshops, which offered interactive spaces to explore topics like research leadership, inclusive practice, and institutional strategy. The ‘New to Vitae’ session was a warm welcome, introducing the Vitae Researcher Development Framework 2025 and sparking meaningful networking through an ice-breaker activity.
A personal highlight
One of the most memorable aspects of #VitaeCon2025 was experiencing the vibrant atmosphere at We The Curious. The venue itself symbolised curiosity and innovation, perfectly complementing the conference theme. Standing beside the Vitae banner, I was reminded of the collective mission to empower researchers and create inclusive spaces for growth. This visual representation of the event reinforced the importance of connecting research with real-world impact, a principle I aim to embed in my own academic practice.
Impact on my career
Attending #VitaeCon2025 has enriched my perspective on researcher development and reaffirmed my commitment to fostering collaborative, student-centred learning environments. The conference’s emphasis on accessibility, professional growth, and inclusive research culture aligns with my work as a researcher, course leader, and legal educator. The bursary enabled full participation, including the Vitae Impact, Culture and Engagement (ICE) Awards Gala Dinner, which celebrated excellence in researcher development. It was inspiring to see peers recognised for innovative and inclusive practice, reminding us that research culture is shaped not only by outputs but by values.
Looking ahead
I leave #VitaeCon2025 with renewed motivation and a clearer vision for embedding inclusive strategies within my institution and across the wider academic community. I encourage fellow researchers to engage with Vitae’s resources, join the LinkedIn community group, and explore the multimedia content from the conference. Thank you to UKRI and Vitae for investing in researcher growth and for cultivating a space where ideas, identities, and innovations flourish.
Written by Dr Temitope Omotola Odusanya, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Law, LLM Law Programme Course Leader, School of Law and Social Sciences, Robert Gordon University.