Wednesday 17 July 2024
Equipping Postgraduate Researchers with Civic Skills to Foster Professional Growth
A few months into their research programmes, our second cohort of Co(l)laboratory PhD students gathered at Antenna, at the heart of Nottingham for a 2-day summer retreat to reflect on civic leadership, collaborative research and how to address research dilemmas.
The first day began with a focus on Intro to Public and Civic Engagement, with this portion of the retreat, led by Co(l)laboratory’s own Dr Matthew Young. Through a range of interactive exercises, our researchers discussed civic leadership and shared their perceptions of what it meant to become a civic leader. We were also joined by NTU academics, Dr Anna Souto and Dr Penelope Siebert who shared their experiences of undertaking participatory and collaborative research in practice.
In the workshop, they discussed research conducted using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach since 2016, and reflected on the opportunities and challenges of this approach, particularly when working across different disciplines. The main focus of this discussion was on a project funded by the NHS in summer 2022, aimed at understanding access to mental health services for minorities in Nottingham.
Co(l)laboratory Cohort 2 at the 2024 Summer Retreat, Antenna.
Later in the afternoon, we were joined by Dr Eleanor Forward, Researcher Training and Development Manager, University of Nottingham and Lauren Sherriff, from Collab PhD Cohort 1, based at Nottingham Trent University. Eleanor outlined the opportunities for Public Engagement and the support available at the University of Nottingham. She built on this by mapping the networks of the participants and identifying stakeholders and potential partners with the participants’ research projects in mind. They explored best practices and considered planning the next steps. Additionally, Lauren shared her experience working with her community partner in her PhD research.
To finish the day, our researchers participated in some team bonding activities which involved a trip to the National Justice Museum.
Co(l)laboratory Cohort 2 at the 2024 Summer Retreat, Antenna
On the morning of day 2, the session heard from two Postdoctoral candidates about their experiences of studying for their PhD, and how they have used the skills gained during their PhD in a range of professional roles. Later in the day, the University of Nottingham Careers team represented by Lucie Whitfield and Melanie King talked about approaches to career plans, tips for each stage and highlighted resources to support our postgraduate researchers.
Finally, Michelle Poland, NTU Impact Manager took researchers through Research Impact and the meaningful difference research makes in the world beyond academia and building understanding around impact, impact-related tips, tools, and resources.