Research seminars provide students with the opportunity to gain experience in scientific discourse. However, student and faculty engagement, although critical to fostering an effective learning environment, is not always guaranteed. The aim of this study was to explore students’ and faculty’s perceptions of best practices for promoting engagement and learning in a weekly seminar series. Nutritional sciences graduate students and faculty at a Land Grant Institution were invited by email to complete an anonymous Qualtrics survey of primarily open-ended questions. Of the 46 students and faculty invited to participate, 24 (52%) responded. Themes for student engagement included incorporating more interactive elements during seminars, such as discussions and questions throughout the presentation, and bringing in guest speakers from various departments, universities, or organizations to stimulate interest and offer diverse perspectives. Encouraging faculty to invite non-departmental or off-campus speakers to enhance variety and interest in the seminar series, aligning seminar topics with their research interests, and involving faculty in mentorship roles for students preparing for seminar presentations were suggested to support faculty engagement. Regarding strategies or activities to foster greater interaction between faculty and students, networking prior to seminars was emphasized. Suggestions for measures or initiatives to create a more inclusive atmosphere and encourage diverse perspectives and contributions included introducing controversial nutritional topics and establishing clear expectations for speakers and attendees. In response to how technology can be effectively integrated into the seminar series to facilitate a more interactive and collaborative learning environment for students and faculty, responses showed polarization, with some faculty requesting the elimination of virtual attendance. The study findings highlight diverse perspectives on optimizing engagement and learning in a research seminar series; however, further research is needed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the perceived best practices.