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Exploring the hidden side of success

Join us for a conversation on 19 November on normalising failure in academia and recognising setbacks as a natural part of learning, discovery and innovation.


News Story

Published on 21 Oct 2026 Last updated on 21 Oct 2026
Female engineer closely inspecting and adjusting robotic arm components
The online event on 19 November will discuss how we can grow from our setbacks

Bringing together perspectives from sport, the arts and academic research, this engaging online session will explore how as individuals, teams and organisations, we can better support people through challenges and learn from setbacks.

Register for the event

Register for: The hidden side of success: Normalising failure and supporting setbacks - online event

Hosted by Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Rachel Arnold, we’re delighted to welcome expert speakers from across the University:

  • Marcus Munafò – Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, internationally recognised for his work on research culture, research quality and reproducibility, and co-founder of the UK Reproducibility Network.

  • Margaret Heffernan – Entrepreneur, bestselling author and Professor of Practice at the University of Bath, renowned for her work on leadership, uncertainty, creativity and organisational culture.

  • Dan Brown – Chartered Psychologist and expert in resilience and thriving in high-performance environments, whose research explores how individuals and teams can achieve sustained success and wellbeing under pressure.

  • Kate Elliott – Chartered Coaching Psychologist and Head of the Centre for Coaching & Leadership at the University of Bath, with extensive experience helping individuals, teams and organisations thrive through leadership development and coaching.

  • Chris Bowen – Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Engineering & Design and Professor of Materials, whose internationally recognised research focuses on smart materials, energy harvesting and sustainable technologies.

Through expert talks, a panel discussion and interactive group conversations, participants will help identify practical actions and possible future interventions that could strengthen support for researchers and research-enabling staff across the University of Bath.

Agenda

  • expert speaker presentations: 13.00-14.00
  • panel and interactive group discussion: 14.00-15.00

"If we want to empower our people and drive innovative research, we need cultures that recognise setbacks as a normal part of discovery. This event offers an opportunity to hear honest reflections on the hidden side of success from across our University community, and explore how we can normalise failure and better support one another through setbacks." ─ Rachel Arnold

Join the session

Register your place

Contact us

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the team.