Discover how two pioneering PhD placements bridged academic research and community impact through a powerful third sector partnership. Hear how PhD students and third sector organisations can learn, grow, and drive change together.
As part of our legacy project, we are proud to share two significant milestones: a reflection on the PhD research projects we embarked upon and the launch of our very first podcast.
This inaugural episode brings together Dr. Autumn Roesch-Marsh, Neil Hume, and Nishat Tasneem. Autumn collaborated with Glenn Liddall, Founder & Chief Executive, and the team at People Know How to establish two impactful PhD research projects, one focused on school transitions and the other on digital inclusion. Neil and Nishat are the dedicated PhD students behind these projects.
Together, they explore a powerful partnership that merges rigorous academic research with real-world social impact.
Celebrating Collaboration
This episode celebrates the journeys of Neil Hume and Nishat Tasneem, two outstanding doctoral researchers from the University of Edinburgh. Their placements with People Know How not only advanced their academic work but also deepened our collective understanding of how to support young people through school transitions and tackle digital exclusion in our communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to their exceptional supervisors:
- Dr. Autumn Roesch-Marsh
- Professor Gillean McCluskey
- Professor Sian Bayne
- Dr Jimmy Turner
Their commitment and guidance have been instrumental in making these partnerships a success for the students, the university, and our organisation.
PhD Placements: A Two-Way Learning Experience
PhD placements within third sector organisations like ours create unique opportunities for mutual learning and growth. For researchers, it’s a chance to:
- Work directly with communities
- Access real-world data
- See their research make a tangible difference
For organisations like ours, we gain:
- Access to cutting-edge ideas
- Analytical insights
- Support to evaluate and strengthen our work
Of course, these partnerships also come with challenges. Balancing academic rigour with the dynamic nature of the third sector requires flexibility, clear communication, and aligned goals. But as our work with Neil and Nishat shows—when it works, it really works.
Why Should Third Sector Organisations Offer PhD Placements?
If you’re a third sector leader considering a partnership with a PhD student, here’s why we think it’s worth it:
- Tangible Impact: Students often bring research that directly informs and enhances your services.
- Capacity Building: They help organisations think more strategically, reflectively, and creatively.
- Future Networks: These collaborations build bridges between sectors and spark long-term relationships.
By bringing PhD students into our teams, we foster a culture of reflection, evidence-based practice, and continuous learning. And for the students, it’s a transformative experience that shapes their careers and research.
Listen to the Full Conversation
In this episode, we speak with Neil, Nishat, and Dr. Autumn Roesch-Marsh about what they’ve learned, what’s surprised them, and their advice for future students and organisations interested in taking on PhD placements.
Whether you’re an academic, a student, or a third sector organisation ready to engage with research—this episode is for you.