What my clients think

REF training and support

‘Dawn's expertise has been invaluable in helping to prepare our UoA for REF2029. She has provided thoughtful, supportive, bespoke training content for our UoA members and our review team, and has acted as a mentor for UoA leads, guiding us through each aspect of the preparation process and acting as an external reviewer. Her comprehensive and flexible approach have enhanced our understanding of research environment at this critical time.’ Professor Caroline Chatwin, University of Greenwich, UoA20 Deputy Lead

‘I recently attended a REF workshop run by Professor Dawn Lyon, and found it informative, engaging, and genuinely eye-opening. It gave me a much clearer understanding of how REF works and, just as importantly, helped me connect with its underlying principles in a way that feels relevant to my own research. I came away with practical ideas for maximising the reach and impact of my work, and I'd highly recommend the session to colleagues.’ Dr Ed Schreeche-Powell, University of Greenwich

‘The calibration training was great. It really made me feel supported in the review role. There was lots of time for discussion.’ UoA reviewer, University of Greenwich

‘The training has really made me think about things. It's a difficult role making these kind of decisions about people's work. It's hard not to let your own biases creep in and the workshop helped me to think about that and how to be more open-minded about different kinds of work.’ UoA reviewer, University of Greenwich

‘I feel like I understand the REF now and I feel more confident about what research quality looks like and how to achieve it within my own work.’ UoA member, University of Greenwich

‘I liked the way that Dawn explained it so it was simple to understand, and so we got the whole context of why the REF is important and what it is for. I never heard that kind of thing before.’ UoA member, University of Greenwich

‘Dawn was really approachable and took the time to talk with us individually about our work.’ UoA member, University of Greenwich

‘It was great hearing about her own research journey - it made it seem real somehow.’ UoA member, University of Greenwich

Qualitative research methods

‘It really sparked my imagination in terms of what it is possible to do with legal research using qualitative tools. I also really liked how much space for discussion there was!’

‘I really enjoyed the session and found it very valuable, thank you!’

University of Southampton, September 2026

Writing and project mentoring

'Dawn has helped me enormously in our recent mentoring sessions. With both kindness and steel, she guided me to think differently about how I was approaching a project that was growing out of control. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her if you a looking for support and insight into academic writing.' Associate professor, social sciences, UK university.

‘I really enjoyed hearing about the work that everyone else was carrying out that week [of the writing retreat]. Dawn and other colleagues were really approachable and friendly, which created a wonderful 'safe' atmosphere for writing, meeting people, and asking questions.’ Writing retreat participant, University of Kent

‘It was brilliantly and thoughtfully organised and we felt really supported.’ Writing retreat participant, University of Kent

‘Brilliant agenda with writing blocks and breaks.’ Writing retreat participant, University of Kent

‘It was great that there were multiple options on where to write depending on individual needs/preferences. It was incredibly well organised, and the team did an amazing job at thinking through all the important details. Thanks for your hard work!’ Writing retreat participant, University of Kent

‘I liked that it was structured, yet flexible. I enjoyed the session on publications very much, and I found comfort in knowing that someone was always available to answer any and all questions I might have had.’ Writing retreat participant, University of Kent