Are you research adjacent?

Join a community of freelancers and small business owners who are helping the research world go round.

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The research space can be tricky to navigate as a service provider. What works for other businesses doesn’t always work for us!

The Research Adjacent Community is a friendly, growing collective where you can find relevant advice, job opportunities and other people on the same – sometimes challenging, but always fascinating – journey.

From videographers and trainers, to technical writers and independent evaluators – connect with other people just like you. Whether you’re struggling with purchase orders and paperwork, or loneliness and imposter moments – we get it.

72%

of freelancers feel lonely or isolated sometimes*

90%

of freelancers lack confidence sometimes*

78%

of freelancers look to their peers for support*

*source ‘Mental health in freelancing during 2024’ Leapers

“One of the challenges of being a freelancer is having to be All The Things in your business. My favourite thing about the community is having a space to come together and build that lovely group energy you get when you share experiences, tips and ideas.”

Vicky Bowskill

Illustrator, Inklusive Nature

“The Research Adjacent community members are diverse, courageous and full of great ideas. Every conversation or contact with them is a positive experience, helping to overcome some of the isolation of being freelance.”

Lisa Jamieson

Public Engagement Consultant

JOIN US FOR ALL THIS GOOD STUFF

MONTHLY ONLINE MEET UPS

Once a month we get together on Zoom for a session that’s part social club, part action learning group. We’ve covered topics like deciding what to charge, client boundaries, social media, and getting testimonials.

Calls are on different times and days each month, usually at lunchtime or the end of the day.

IN-PERSON GET-TOGETHERS

There’s nothing quite like getting to know people in real life. So far we’ve had meet-ups in York and London. We’ll be coming to a town near you soon!

ONLINE COMMUNITY PLATFORM

We hang out in private online space in a platform called Circle. There are no annoying ads, and no aligorithm to decide what you see. And you can ask questions that you might not want to put in a public space like LinkedIn.

Have a look around

FIND WORK OPPORTUNITIES

The Community includes a dedicated Opportunities board where you can look for and share projects, open calls and contract tenders. Community members have even teamed up to bid for contracts you might have thought were out of your league.

GET BUSINESS SUPPORT

Check out the Learning Zone for short videos, links and other advice to help you run your business more confidently. You can also ask the community for advice on the discussion board. Whether it’s chasing up late payments or making sure you’ve got your legal ducks in a row, chances are one of us has been through it before.

LISTING ON THE RESEARCH ADJACENT DIRECTORY

Get your services listed on the only business directory of it’s kind! Everyone on the Research Adjacent Directory specialises in working with research organisations or doing independent research.

Check it out

ALL THIS FOR JUST £7 PER MONTH

Or £5.83 per month if you sign up for annual membership

“My favourite things about the community are the variety and depth of skills, disciplines and interests of members, and the energy they bring to discussions. I also spotted a ‘perfect’ (for me) consultancy in the ‘Opportunities’ section which I wouldn’t have seen otherwise! “

Orla Cronin

Facilitator and Trainer

“Sometimes as a freelancer there’s a new regulation or scary-looking thing that previously would have worried me for days. Now I pop a question in the community and someone will have heard of it before. It’s great to not have to figure out everything alone!”

Bella Reichard

Impact Consultant

Listen to the Research Adjacent podcast

The research-adjacent space is where the magic happens! Hear stories, anecdotes and brilliant advice from professionals, including freelancers just like you, who work with and for research organisations.