Wednesday 03-04-2024 - 22:05

Cyril C. Mbachu, DTA Future Societies Researcher, University of Derby

 

DTA Spring Refresh: A Refreshing Way to Connect, Learn and Kickstart 2024!

It was an honour to attend the University Alliance Doctoral Training Alliance's (UA-DTA) Spring Refresh programme held at the STEAMhouse, University of Birmingham, on 07 March, 2024. This event served as a fantastic way to start off 2024 for researchers like myself, following the successful DTA induction programme (DTA Autumn Connect) for the newest cohort of DTA Future Societies, which I am part of, that was held in November 2023 at Leeds Beckett University.

Building Connections and Sharing Stories

The Spring Refresh programme provided an amazing opportunity to connect with colleagues from various cohorts within the Future Societies programme. The day was filled with informative sessions designed to foster a sense of community and equip us with valuable knowledge. The programme kicked off with a fun icebreaker activity. We delved into the SNAP (Student Narrative Approaches through Photography) platform on the DTA website, discussing and elaborating on photographs related to our PhD activities. Sharing these glimpses into our research journeys was a great way to connect with fellow researchers and foster a sense of friendship.

Learning from the Best

The informative sessions throughout the day offered a range of valuable topics. One particularly thought-provoking session explored the concept of adopting creative writing techniques when developing our PhD theses. This opened my eyes to new possibilities for crafting compelling and insightful narratives within my research area while capturing the attention of both academic and non-academic audiences. Participants also gained valuable insights from Kate Marks, a final-year student, who shared her experiences navigating her PhD journey. Her candid presentation provided practical advice and encouragement, serving as a source of inspiration for all the participants, myself included.

Securing Funding for Future Research

The programme also explored the ever-important topic of securing funding for our research endeavours. Participants learned valuable strategies for identifying funding opportunities and crafting award-winning grant applications. This session equipped us with the necessary tools to pursue financial support for our current and future research projects.

A Glimpse into Innovation

In addition to the enriching sessions, a tour of the STEAMhouse building provided a fascinating glimpse into its state-of-the-art facilities. Witnessing firsthand this hub of innovation and creativity that fosters groundbreaking ideas within the UK and beyond was truly inspiring, while also providing valuable connections.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Overall, the UA-DTA Spring Refresh programme was a resounding success. It offered a chance to connect with fellow researchers, gain valuable knowledge, and feel invigorated on my research journey.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the UA-DTA team, including Jennie Eldridge, Rabia Arshad, Emma Cowley, and Laurella Noble, for their continued support and for providing such enriching experiences throughout my PhD journey. I eagerly look forward to attending future UA-DTA events!