31. Events that Actually Work: Cameron McKnight on Building Research Communities that Last

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Written By Chris Pahlow

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Episode show notes

Looking to run events that researchers actually want to attend? Cameron McKnight shares practical insights on building sustainable research communities and running events that deliver real value.

Cameron McKnight is a PhD candidate at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, where his research focuses on modeling mitochondrial diseases using CRISPR-edited human pluripotent stem cells. He's also a passionate advocate for building better research communities, having led several successful programs designed to support researchers at all career stages.

"In the end, all of this is volunteer work for scientists. We don't get paid to run these events... But if you're going to do it, you're better off making a huge effort and changing it more dramatically." -- Cameron McKnight

From scheduling that works for busy researchers to documentation that ensures long-term success, Cameron offers practical advice you can start implementing today to make your research events and communities more impactful.

Our conversation covers:

  • Why research networks and collaborations are crucial in modern science

  • Common pitfalls in running research events (and how to avoid them)

  • Practical strategies for organizing sustainable events on a budget

  • How to build consistency and continuity into volunteer-run programs

  • Making events accessible and valuable for all participants

  • Simple tools and systems for effective event organization

  • Building communities that extend beyond single events

  • The importance of proper handover documentation

Find Cameron McKnight online:

Practical tips from this episode:

  • Think practically about timing:

    • Events should end by 5pm to accommodate family commitments. "There is no EMCR that is a parent that wants to stay until 8 especially listening to talks or posters, even if you have food, they want to get home to their families."

    • Avoid early morning starts without good reason

    • Be consistent with timing to build habits and expectations

    • Don't schedule events right before major international conferences

  • Keep organisation simple but effective:

    • Use familiar tools like Google Docs rather than complex project management software. "My experience with scientists is even things as simple as monday.com scare them... using things that are free to the society, have storage and are intuitive like a Google Doc or an Excel spreadsheet or a Google form - it allows them to be recycled but refreshed very quickly."

    • Create clear documentation for future organizers

    • Build repeatable systems that can be easily handed over. "You need to make sure that whatever you're doing is a simple and elegant solution to what could be a very complex problem."

  • Design for engagement:

    • Mix up presentation formats to keep audiences engaged. "Having that change and constant variety keeps the crowd involved, alive, and wanting to stay for the entire day."

    • Don't group similar topics together - variety maintains interest. "It's actually a really bad idea to have all of your PhD students present in the exact same session as each other and then all of the postdocs present."

    • Create opportunities for meaningful connections

  • Make it sustainable:

    • Use free venues where possible (like university rooms)

    • Be upfront with vendors about working with limited budgets. "You can work really well with catering companies, telling them that we're EMCRs trying to organize a meeting. Can you help us get a good price?"

    • Focus on providing clear value for registration fees

    • Build continuity through proper documentation and handover processes

  • Remember the human element:

    • Consider participants' other commitments and responsibilities

    • Make events accessible and worthwhile for all attendees

    • Create opportunities for meaningful networking

    • Focus on building lasting communities, not just one-off events

Credits:

  • Host & Producer: Chris Pahlow

  • Edited by: Laura Carolina Corrigan

  • Music by: La Boucle and Blue Steel, courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Chris Pahlow
Chris Pahlow is an independent writer/director currently in post-production on his debut feature film PLAY IT SAFE. Chris has been fascinated with storytelling since he first earned his pen license and he’s spent the last ten years bringing stories to life through music videos, documentaries, and short films.
http://www.chrispahlow.com
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