Agile logo, springbok jumping Oxford Martin School logo with circles Oxford University lgoo with emblem

Event type: Conference

How can we do more and better cutting-edge, rapid, impact-focussed research while meeting the needs of policy makers? This event will address this question, as well as showcase the current Agile sprint teams’ research.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Oxford University mobilised teams of the best researchers from different academic disciplines, working together with decision-makers, practitioners, funders, private companies and publishers. We pushed the boundaries of traditional academic research to deliver excellent research to tackle a public health emergency, and we did it fast.  

How can we do the same in response to the environmental emergencies the world is facing? This is precisely what the Agile Initiative at the Oxford Martin School was set up to do. This showcase event will explore the work of Agile, and similar efforts at Oxford, as well taking the view of key research users, and considering the broader trends facing impactful, rapid, cutting-edge research. On 22nd November we will bring together researchers and decision makers from the University of Oxford and beyond to explore the state-of-the-art and future of agile impact-focussed research.  

Join us to

  • Learn about our research and early policy impacts from our  “pioneer” sprints  
  • Learn about related research efforts from across the university 
  • Hear about the challenges involved in delivering interdisciplinary, environmental science research rapidly
  • Reflect on our insights into the change needed in the funding ecosystem to enable this type of research to flourish
  • Explore upcoming trends and challenges
  • Find out more about what Agile is trying to achieve and how you can get involved 

Timetable

Please note, unfortunately Kathy Willis is no longer able to attend the Showcase. We are pleased to instead welcome Professor Kathryn Oliver to present the keynote.

09:30-09:45: Arrive: get seated
09:45-10:00: Introduction: Patrick Grant
10:00-10:45: Keynote: Kathryn Oliver
10:45-11:30: Coffee and posters: learn about the Agile Sprints
11:30-13:30: Panel 1: What has been done well?

This panel will take stock of where we are at with these approaches to environmental research – what has come before, what is being done now, and what lessons we can take. They will consider successes and challenges in Agile’s work as well as research elsewhere in Oxford and beyond. Speakers: Aline Soterroni, Carlo Palazzi, Anupama Sen and Peter Barbrook-Johnson.

13:30-14:30: Lunch provided
14:30-16:30: Panel 2: What happens next?

The second panel will take a look forward, discussing exciting upcoming work, as well as the broader landscape, headwinds, and opportunities for this emerging model of environmental research. Speakers: Will Pryor, Jessica Omukuti, John Lynch, James Robson, and Mark Hirons.

15:30-15:45: Break
16:30-17:00: Wrap-up: Prof Nathalie Seddon
17:00-18:00: Reception

How to join

This event will take place in the Lecture Theatre at the Oxford Martin School, and is wheelchair accessible. The event will not be livestreamed.

Register now

Over the past four years, the Agile Initiative has funded over 20 rapid research projects on critical policy and practice questions. Over 50 partners from the public, private and third sector and more than 150 researchers have co-designed and delivered these projects. In doing so, we have generated a wealth of learning and exposed many more questions.

We invite policymakers, funders, researchers, research-support professionals and academic leadership to come together on 21st September 2026 to explore what it takes to deliver timely, policy-relevant and inclusive environmental research and how we can do this better.

Join us to:

  • Engage with Agile researchers and partners to find out more about the diversity of solutions proposed to major environmental challenges and the emerging impacts
  • Exchange learning on how to do rapid, co-created and inclusive research, and some pitfalls to avoid
  • Interrogate what needs to change and why within funding bodies and academic institutions to enable timely research to address climate change and biodiversity loss
  • Explore strategies for responding to future evidence needs
  • Gain insights into methods, approaches and tools for co-creating rapid, interdisciplinary research for policy and practice

Across the day you can expect to participate in a series of interactive activities with delegates from government, executive agencies, funding bodies, non-governmental organisations and research institutions.

The Agile Initiative values all voices and perspectives and is committed to running inclusive and accessible events. You can let us know about any appropriate accommodations that you require when you register (registration will open soon).

This is an in-person event; online attendance will not be possible.

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Monday 21 September 2026 | 09:00–17:00 | Sultan Nazrin Shah Centre, Worcester College, Oxford