Tessera

Can we humanise peer review? In a new @lseimpactblog.bsky.social pactBlog post, Jenni Guthrie and I reflect on experiments with more open and relational approaches to review, and what they might offer scholarly communities. blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsoci... #PeerReview #AcademicPublishing

Can we humanise peer review? - LSE Impact

The peer review system is in trouble, but a more human relational approach could run against imperatives for increasingly routinised and scalable peer review.

blogs.lse.ac.uk

Just under 5 weeks to go until #ICRMC26 comes to Manchester (and online)! We're looking forward to two days of creative thinking, fresh ideas, and great conversations. If you haven't booked yet, there's still time: www.creativeresearchmethods.com #CreativeResearchMethods #AcademicSky

Creative Research Methods Conference 2026

The International Creative Research Methods Conference is an annual gathering for academics of all disciplines who are interested in using creative methods in their research.

creativeresearchmethods.com

Really pleased to see our new book, Managing Your Research Project, featured by @therealrw.bsky.social. Thanks to Inger Mewburn, Pat Thomson and Aimee Grant for being such great collaborators. researchwhisperer.org/2026/07/28/m...

Managing your research project

Inger Mewburn, Pat Thomson, Helen Kara and Aimee Grant recently published a book, Managing Your Research Project. The Research Whisperers think that it is a handy contribution so we asked the autho…

researchwhisperer.org

How creative can my doctoral research be? Probably more creative than you think. My latest blog explores how supervisors, university policies and the literature on creative research methods can help. And if anyone says no: "Helen Kara said I could." 😉 helenkara.com/2026/07/23/h... #PhD

How creative can my doctoral research be?

When I teach creative research methods or creative academic writing to doctoral students, they often ask me this question. The short answer is: your doctoral research can be as creative as you like…

helenkara.com

On 29th July, I'll be joining @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social and @autgeek.bsky.social for a free GR0VE event for neurodivergent young people. We'll be talking about our research into neurodiversity-affirming spaces and taking questions from attendees. More information: www.gr0ve.org/research-eve...

GROVE Research Event -

GROVE offers specialist Autistic-led % mentoring, peer groups and our BEING ME programme to support Autistic children and young people’s identity, self-esteem and well-being.

gr0ve.org

Thank you to everyone who's already booked their place at #ICRMC. We're looking forward to welcoming attendees both in person and online. If you haven't got your ticket yet, visit our website to explore the programme and register. www.creativeresearchmethods.com See you soon! #ICRMC26 #CRMethods

Creative Research Methods Conference 2026

The International Creative Research Methods Conference is an annual gathering for academics of all disciplines who are interested in using creative methods in their research.

creativeresearchmethods.com

We've spent the last 18 months building IREC's reputation through the quality of our reviews rather than advertising. It's time to change that. 10% off our application rates for public, private and education sector customers for applications paid for by 31st August 2026. www.irec.org.uk #IREC

IREC - Independent Research Ethics Committee Services, provided by Research Ethics Ltd

Research Ethics Committee Services and Consultancy

irec.org.uk

Delighted to share research I've worked on with @katefoxwriter75.bsky.social & George Watts exploring Neurodivergent Affirming Spaces. Join them for findings, poetry, a zine and chat. And best of all, it's free! Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/presenting... Or scan the QR code below!

New video: What Is Research Fatigue? From endless customer surveys to community research projects, people are increasingly being asked for feedback without ever seeing what changes as a result. Watch here: youtu.be/tuOFzjelAos #ResearchMethods #ResearchFatigue

123 What Is Research Fatigue

YouTube video by Helen Kara

youtu.be

Want to support #ICRMC26 without giving money? We’re looking for goody bag contributions (for 200 in-person delegates + a virtual version for online attendees). A great way to connect with a creative research audience! Contact: enquiries@creativeresearchmethods.com #CRMethods #ICRMC

After 25 years as an independent researcher, I got my first funding in 2025 and used it to ask: what is a neurodiversity-affirming space? A working definition and zine, shaped with neurodivergent people. Not complete. Not final. A beginning. helenkara.com/2026/06/30/t... #Neurodiversity #Research

Towards A Definition of Neurodiversity-Affirming Space

In 2025, after 25 years as an independent researcher, I was awarded research funding for the first time. Not from the UK – I have written elsewhere about how independent researchers are not eligibl…

helenkara.com

What is metadata? 📊 In this short video, I explain what metadata is, share examples from primary and secondary data, and discuss why tracking metadata can help you manage and describe your research more effectively. Watch here: youtu.be/ZsKWkxqtiq8 #Metadata #ResearchData

122 What Is MetaData

YouTube video by Helen Kara

youtu.be

75 days until #ICRMC! Counting down already - can’t wait to learn, connect, and be inspired again. Reserve your ticket to join us either in person or online on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th September here: www.creativeresearchmethods.com #ICRMC #Countdown

Fully remote volunteer role moderating the online stream for this years International Creative Research Methods Conference (#ICRMC) Experience needed and availability across 7th-8th September 2026 (BST) For more details and how to apply: helenkara.com/2026/06/16/v... #ICRMC26 #CRMethods

Volunteer Needed for ICRMC 2026!

We are looking for a volunteer to attend the International Creative Research Methods Conference online and help to manage and moderate the chat. In return for this work, we will provide a free tick…

helenkara.com

New videos just live: - What is Primary Data? - What is Secondary Data? Clear, quick guides to understanding the difference, with examples and tips for research. youtu.be/7rklFgg4Ps4 youtu.be/RkkBH9LtJFQ #ResearchMethods #StudyTips

I’ve been thinking a lot about @raulpachecovega.bsky.social - his work, his generosity, and the quiet kindness he showed so many people. I wrote this as a small way of honouring that, and reflecting on what we choose to carry forward. helenkara.com/2026/06/09/r...

Raul Pacheco-Vega – A Tribute

Like many, many others, I met Raul on Twitter some time around 2010. Social media was Raul’s natural habitat; it could have been made for him with his burning desire to communicate and demystify. L…

helenkara.com

We’re so pleased to see a great response to #ICRMC. Over 50% of tickets have now been booked! It’s shaping up to be a brilliant gathering of people exploring creative research methods together. Reserve your spot now: creativeresearchmethods.com #ICRMC26 #CreativeMethods #ResearchCommunity

Delighted to launch Arts Council-funded creative writing workshops for late-diagnosed neurodivergent adults. Online and in person, with pay-what-you-can places and bursaries available. No experience needed. More info: helenkara.com/2026/06/02/r... #CreativeWriting #Neurodivergent #ArtsCouncil

Reclaiming Space For Neurodivergent Creativity

helenkara.com

We’re so excited to welcome The Work Inclusion Project as a sponsor for #ICRMC26 TWIP supports disabled academics, professionals & entrepreneurs, and works with organisations to create more accessible, inclusive workplaces grounded in lived experience. Really grateful to have them with us! #ICRMC

A lovely rediscovery - I’d completely forgotten I contributed to Making Qualitative Research Happen! It remains such a practical, accessible guide for qualitative researchers. I’ve written a short reflection on why it still feels relevant: helenkara.com/2026/05/26/m... #QualitativeResearch

Making Qualitative Research Happen

A few weeks ago I received a mysterious parcel. When I opened it, I found a book called Making Qualitative Research Happen: Getting The Best Out Of Your Qualitative Research Project, edited by Jess…

helenkara.com

We're really happy to have Educational Researchology sponsoring #ICRMC26 this year. Their focus on supportive, thoughtful research and development fits perfectly with what the conference is about. #ICRMC #CRMethods

There’s a new video on my channel: Working on a New Edition Revising a book is never just small updates, it’s figuring out what still works, what needs changing, and what doesn’t belong anymore. I share some of that process here: youtu.be/WB1MmYGK88I #CRMethods #AcademicWriting

119 Working on a New Edition

YouTube video by Helen Kara

youtu.be

We’re delighted to welcome @uomcreativemcr.bsky.social as a sponsor for #ICRMC this year! Their focus on innovative, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research makes them a great fit for the conference. #ICRMC26 #CRMethods

Universities wouldn’t ask a plumber or electrician to work for free because “budgets are tight”. So why are independent researchers and scholars still expected to donate skilled labour? Expertise has value. Find out more here: helenkara.com/2026/05/12/s... #AcademicLabour #IndependentResearch

Some Universities Are Asking Me To Work For Nothing – Again!

It is no secret that the university sector in the UK is experiencing a massive financial crisis. I guess this is why I’m getting new requests to work for universities for nothing. I wrote a post ab…

helenkara.com

Just over 1 week left! We’ve already received some excellent proposals for Creative Quantitative Research Methods (co-edited with Dr Derek Ong). For more info: helenkara.com/writing/crea... Deadline: 15th May 2026 #AcademicSky #QuantMethods

Creative Quantitative Research Methods

About the Book This edited collection explores the emerging and exciting field of Creative Quantitative Research Methods, offering a platform for researchers, educators, and practitioners to share …

helenkara.com

Giving a keynote can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be great fun! I’ve shared some practical tips on preparing, engaging your audience, and finding your confidence. Watch here: youtu.be/usCXZQiksiA #AcademicLife #ResearchMethods #PublicSpeaking #Conferences #PhDLife #Keynote

118 How To Give A Keynote Speech

YouTube video by Helen Kara

youtu.be

We’re delighted to welcome back @the-sra.org.uk as a sponsor for ICRMC this year! The SRA champion ethical, high-quality research across the sector. We’re so pleased to have them back with us. #ICRMC2026 #SocialResearch #ResearchCommunity

Ever feel like a thesis has to be a 300-page wall of text? It doesn’t. My latest post highlights 4 researchers breaking the mold. Creative methods don’t just change the work - they change how we share it. Read more: helenkara.com/2026/04/30/g... #PhDLife #CreativeResearch #AcademicWriting

Getting Creative With Your Thesis Or Dissertation #5

I have written four previous posts on this topic, with different examples of creative theses and dissertations. Here are the first, second, third, and fourth of those posts. Today I am showcasing: …

helenkara.com