Who to contact in the Research Culture & Researcher Development Team

As Head of Research Culture & Researcher Development, Megan is responsible for the strategic oversight of training and professional development for members of our research community, as well as the development of an inclusive, responsible and collaborative research culture at the University.

She contributed to Research England's People, Culture and Environment pilot, and is a sub-panel member for REF2029. She was a co-I on the Valuing Voices for Equitable and Responsible Research project, funded by the Wellcome Trust (2024-26).

Megan has a background in facilitation and grant writing in the cultural and Higher Education sectors.

Sarah leads on institutional research culture activity, helping identify and share best practice to achieve the most productive and supportive research cultures within our departments and research institutes. She is experienced and passionate about driving positive change through research culture initiatives. Sarah founded an award-winning peer-support programme at the University alongside her PhD (Thrive and Survive in your PhD) and co-founded the Department of Health Sciences’ annual Research Showcase and researcher development event for ECRs. 

Sarah has degrees in English Literature, Occupational Therapy and a PhD in health inequalities and data science. She has a background in monitoring, evaluation, research, and patient and public involvement in the charitable and Higher Education sectors.

As Researcher Developer and Postgraduate Researcher (PGR) Lead, Dominika specialises in the strategic design, delivery, and evaluation of tailored professional development programmes for doctoral researchers. Holding a PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of York, she draws directly on her extensive background as a doctoral and postdoctoral researcher to shape impactful, evidence-informed training initiatives.

In her role, Dominika leads the University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and actively collaborates with the international researcher developer community through networks such as Mentoring for Researcher Developers (M4RD).

Sarah leads the design, implementation and evaluation of strategic organisational programmes, and initiatives related to research fellow selection, learning and development. She works collaboratively with stakeholders across York to ensure a joined up approach to university fellowship provision and policy and is a member of the Fellowships Coordination Committee. 

Sarah is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an EMCC-accredited coach who is passionate about supporting the career and leadership development of researchers. She is currently developing a new programme of events within the York Fellowship Programme to address the needs of emerging research leaders as well as aspiring research fellows. 

Hazel Lawrence
Researcher Developer (ECRS)
hazel.lawrence@york.ac.uk

Hazel designs, delivers and evaluates strategic development opportunities for ECRs across the University, supporting the achievement of the objectives of the York Graduate Research School and contributing to other University-wide projects related to researcher development.

Lucy Cheseldine
Researcher Development Officer
lucy.cheseldine@york.ac.uk

Dr Lucy Cheseldine is a Researcher Development Officer specialising in responsible research and engagement. Her expertise spans equitable and responsible research practices, research impact, public involvement, and policy engagement. She previously worked on the Wellcome Trust-funded research culture project Valuing Voices, where she developed a global training programme and online tool to enhance ethical research practices. Lucy is focused on delivering practical interventions that help researchers to engage effectively and collaborate fairly in their everyday work — improving research processes and outcomes for all.

Stewart manages the York Researcher Development Programme, working with external facilitators and colleagues across the university, to enable Postgraduate Researchers and Research Staff to undertake a wide variety of training that supports them, their research, and Research Culture at York.

He co-leads on the delivery of the 3 Minute Thesis competition and Postgraduate Researcher Induction. He also produces and distributes the monthly University Research Staff Newsletter.

Stewart holds a BSc in Biology and is passionate about Research Communication and Public Engagement of Research - running and supporting training in this area.