Monday 09-09-2024 - 12:09

Dilmi Mapatunage, DTA Future Societies Researcher, Teesside University

As an international PhD student in the UK, the long, stressful working hours combined with the occasional homesickness often leave me in need of a change of pace and environment to recharge. Connecting with the DTA community, discussing the common challenges we all face, and enjoying each other’s company has been one of the most effective ways to ease the struggles of PhD life. This year’s Summer School provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. 

I had been eagerly looking forward to the DTA Summer School ever since I heard about it from senior students at the DTA Autumn Connect that took place in November last year. My excitement only grew when I learnt that the event would be held in Cambridge, one of my dream destinations. The 2024 DTA Summer School, which took place from July 10th to 12th at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, turned out to be the highlight of my summer. 

The theme for this year’s DTA Summer School was 'Communication', with numerous sessions focused on demonstrating the importance of effectively communicating our research to others and translating both our academic work and personal skills during and beyond our PhD journey. The first day of the program featured several talks on the significance of disseminating research. It was enlightening to learn about the different platforms available for sharing our research and findings. Dr. Andrew Rawnsley’s talk, in particular, stood out for me; his insights on how to deliver a presentation to different audiences using the right gestures and properly utilising the space were both interesting and practical. 

I loved getting to know other DTA peers and learning about their work, connecting through Sustainable Development Goals. I think that’s one of the most creative activities I have participated in at an event. The day was also energised by a fun telephone game, which added a playful element to the proceedings. Moreover, listening to the advice from DTA alumni on successfully navigating the PhD journey and planning for career development post-PhD was invaluable. 

The first day concluded on a happy note with an evening social event, setting the stage for the rest of the program. Of the three days at the DTA Summer School, the second day was my absolute favourite for many reasons. My friends and I were a bit nervous yet excited in the morning as we prepared to present our research. This session stood out as we all had the opportunity to develop our confidence and presentation skills, thanks to the feedback we received from peers and experts alike. 

Another highlight of the second day was the group communication exercise using Lego. It was incredibly fun and engaging. The activities designed by the DTA team that encourage interaction and communication among DTA peers are admirable. These activities hold a special place in my heart. After the afternoon research presentations, it was time for the most-awaited part of the summer school for me—the social activities. We had the option to choose between punting on the River Cam or taking a walking tour of Cambridge. I chose punting, as I had never been on a boat ride in the UK, and experiencing this in one of the country’s most beautiful cities was a dream come true. Discovering the beauty of Cambridge while listening to fascinating stories about its ancient buildings and architecture along the river was an unforgettable experience indeed. 

The second day ended on a warm and friendly note, with everyone sharing their experiences and life stories during the evening social event. It was bittersweet to start the third day, knowing that this incredible experience was coming to an end and that I wouldn’t see my DTA peers for the next few months. Nonetheless, the third day was packed with valuable and informative sessions. The sessions on developing our narrative CV and preparing for the final viva were particularly useful, providing us with essential knowledge to succeed in our PhD journey. 

In conclusion, the entire Summer School was an absolute success. The event helped me understand the importance of disseminating my research effectively and provided me with strategies to engage with different audiences. Beyond the academic training, the event also offered countless life experiences and valuable insights to help me progress successfully in my PhD journey. I firmly believe that reconnecting with peers and sharing our PhD experiences is a crucial aspect of developing as a successful PhD candidate. 

As a final note, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the DTA team for organising such an amazing, knowledge-filled, and fun event. This Summer School was a truly enriching lifetime experience that will significantly contribute to our success in the PhD journey.