Networking & introductions

More than 70 Cambridge academics connect with the Hub via the Research Forum. 

We work with partner organisations to identify synergies and assist with relevant introductions. We also facilitate mixer events to create serendipitous connections and enable blue sky thinking. 

Case study | Research–Practice Speeddating

By-invitation speeddating sessions run in Spring 2025 facilitated new connections between a dozen practitioners from outside the University of Cambridge and a dozen CIRF researchers.

At registration, all participants were asked to articulate a mission statement and indicate current interests. Answers were turned into mini-profiles, circulated in advance of each event to ensure one-to-ones could get straight to business.

To support follow-on action, we also provided access to Pump Priming funding. 

Feedback on these sessions was strongly positive, with participants valuing this distinctive opportunity for engagement—noting that the online approach bridged geographies and time zones. More activity of this kind is planned.

Cross-sector events including conferences

CIKH runs an array of cross-sector events, inviting partner organisations to participate in and/or curate relevant activity. 

More information is available on request.