Research Pathways Symposium

DAY 1: RESEARCH INNOVATION SHOWCASE (10th November 2025)

Event tickets are now available here, so make sure to get yours before they run out!

We have selected an exciting series of abstracts submitted by postdocs, find the agenda for the day here.

The PdOC Research Showcase 2025 will form part of the Research Pathways Symposium: Innovate, Connect, Advance, taking place on 10th November 2025 at the WestHub.

This interdisciplinary symposium is designed to celebrate cutting-edge research across all fields while highlighting how AI and innovative approaches can transform research practices.

We are happy to announce our keynote speakers:

Dr María Jesús Jerez Jerez, Senior Lecturer in International Business, University of Bedfordshire.

Title: Using AI Efficiently and Ethically in Academic Research

Bio: She also directs the MSc in International Business. She holds a PhD in Business Management and her academic trajectory is defined by a strong research orientation combined with leadership in international academic networks. Her research focuses on disruptive innovation in business models, with particular attention to emerging phenomena such as dark kitchens, co-living, artificial intelligence, and their intersection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals of high international standing, edited two Routledge volumes, collaborated in other four volumes, and serves as reviewer and conference chair, furthering the dissemination of knowledge and strengthening academic debate. She is particularly interested in bridging theoretical insight with practice, examining how innovation reshapes industries and societies. As a neurodivergent academic, Dr Jerez is committed to advancing inclusive approaches in higher education and knowledge production. She advocates for pedagogical and methodological innovation that values diversity and equity, contributing to broader conversations on inclusion within academia and business research. Beyond her institutional role, she serves as Director of the London Delegation of the Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom (SRUK/CERU), leading initiatives that foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development among researchers. This position reflects her ability to connect international academic communities and to create impact beyond traditional research outputs. Dr Jerez’s leadership across research, academic service, and professional networks demonstrates her sustained commitment to advancing the field of international business. By combining expertise in innovation, inclusivity, and global engagement, she actively contributes to shaping the scholarly and professional discourse on how business models adapt and transform in times of disruption.

Ryan Daniels, Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Accelerate programme for Scientific Discovery, University of Cambridge.

Title: Accelerate map of AI

Bio: Ryan is a Senior Machine Learning Engineer and is interested in driving forward scientific research which is grounded in excellent software engineering and machine learning fundamentals. He specializes in language models, and teaches a number of workshops on generative AI and software engineering at the University of Cambridge. Before working at Accelerate, Ryan’s research interests explored unconventional approaches to computing using complex physical devices from the world of condensed matter physics.

Anna Cupani, Google DeepMind

Title: Google DeepMind: From scientific discoveries to global applications of AI

Bio: I am a trained scientist and engineer. I have worked as a researcher in academia and in industry, before moving to business development, translational sciences and innovation. In my role at Google DeepMind, I establish and negotiate collaborations between our researchers in the Science and Health units and external partners. In the past I worked at University College London as Senior Business and Innovation Manager, looking after partnerships for the faculty of medical sciences and at Imperial College London in the Data Science Institute and in the Corporate Engagement team. In my previous life as a full time researcher, I investigated sustainable chemical engineering processes in the Flemish research institute VITO and at Janssen, after a few years working as laboratory researcher at the University of Padova, Italy, on the synthesis of new organo-metallic catalysts and small proteins. I have always been excited by the opportunities that science offers to improve people's lives, and I am proud to be able to contribute to this journey outside the lab. I specialised in the use of facilitation and coaching tools to help people identify their strengths and work effectively together. I was born and grew up in northern Italy, I studied in Padova, (where Galileo had his observatory, still worth a visit if you are in the area!) and in London. I lived in several countries, picking up a bunch of languages and countless friends over the years. I have a keen interest in people's development and creative abilities and love bringing teams together to work on a common goal.

Other highlights of the programme include:

• Keynotes
• Interactive sessions & panel discussion
• Lightning talks & Poster presentations
• Prizes 
• Networking reception to connect with researchers, AI specialists & more.

This is more than a conference day, dynamic hub for professional advancement. We aim for forward-thinking innovation, meaningful professional connections, and career advancement across all fields.

The Research Pathway Symposium is organised by PdOC, The West Hub, University of Cambridge Libraries and Archives, with support from Cambridge Philosophical Society, Isaac Newton Trust, Cambridge Enterprise, Clare Hall College, Cambridge University Hellenic Society, Trinity College, Carbon Re, MatNex.