This face to face course is run by the Researcher Academy

Researcher Academy courses are in high demand. Most are offered in both semesters, allowing you to attend at a time of the year that best suits you.

Target audience: This retreat is for research-focused staff (including Research Assistants/Associates, Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Fellows, Fellows, Senior Research Fellows and Principal Research Fellows).

Assistant Professors within 24 months of their appointment are welcome to attend; Research Technicians, Teaching Fellows and APM research support staff are also welcome.

Please note this retreat is not open to postgraduate research students. Postgraduate research students can attend the PGR Writing Retreat instead.

Course description: Do you have an academic writing project that needs to be completed but are struggling to find uninterrupted time to focus? This in-person writing retreat for research-focused staff and research support staff offers the perfect opportunity to step away from your busy office or lab and concentrate fully on your writing – whether you are working on a grant proposal, manuscript or report.

The retreat spans three days and provides a quiet space to focus on any stage of your writing project – whether generating ideas, planning, drafting, editing or rewriting. The only requirement is that you come with a clear aim and goal(s) for what you would like to achieve.

While the retreat aims to create a distraction-free environment, three consecutive days of intense writing can be challenging even for the most focused and motivated. As such, we also provide space for active procrastination as well as tools to help you through less productive periods.

When you register, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire outlining your objectives for the retreat. Your place will remain provisional until this questionnaire is submitted, so please complete it as a matter of priority. The responses gathered will be used by the Researcher Academy for the tailoring, administration, organisation, and evaluation of the retreat.

Resources: The retreat offers a focused, writing-intensive environment with designated desk space for you to work on a writing task of your choice. Two rooms will be available, each offering different working environments.

Participants are expected to bring their own writing resources (e.g., laptops and chargers). The space has networked PCs available for use, as well as WiFi and power outlets. Flip charts, Post-It notes, and whiteboards will also be available.

Hot and cold refreshments will be available, but please bring your own lunch and snacks. A fridge, microwave and kettle will be available exclusively for participants’ use.

Your commitment: By registering for the retreat, you are ideally committing to attend all three days. If you have a scheduling conflict but still wish to attend, please email the retreat organiser, Milo Miller (milo.miller@nottingham.ac.uk), before booking to discuss your availability.

Accessibility: Please review the table below to understand the course’s accessibility requirements. If you anticipate any difficulties participating, please let us know via the ‘special requirements’ tab, providing as much information as possible. Alternatively, you can contact us directly at ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk.

Access and/or complete self-study/ pre-retreat tasks prior to main session
Print off pre-requisite paperwork/ resources & bring them to the retreat
Bring your own laptop/ PC to the retreat
Access seminar room on campus
Attend the retreat at the specified date and time
Watch and listen to the retreat facilitator(s) and/or other attendees
Follow presentation slides during the retreat
Take part in group activities/ discussions

Booking conditions: When booking a Researcher Academy course, you are committing to attend. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your place, ideally at least three days in advance. Cancellations can be made via the Central Short Courses system if done more than three days in advance, or by emailing ra-training@nottingham.ac.uk for last-minute cancellations. Failing to cancel or simply not attending may affect your eligibility for future courses and Researcher Academy-funded opportunities.

Pre-requisites

• Completion of a Retreat application form. https://forms.office.com/e/crvd3XFJHK
  Please complete this form at least 1 week prior to the retreat start date. If you book within 1 week of the retreat taking place, please complete the form as soon as possible.