We recently hosted an event celebrating and connecting PGRs within the iHuman network. We couldn’t have achieved this goal without the help, and funding, from the iHuman executive, so we’d like to start by thanking the exec, and specifically Dan, Abi, and Stevie for help throughout the months of planning.
We wanted to make a space where PGRs conducting research within iHuman disciplines could come together and form a community. We say that the PGRs fitted into these disciplines, but in reality what we found was that the attendees came to the event because they didn’t fit into the standard disciplines on offer - talk was around what it was like being interdisciplinary, with some students feeling more comfortable ‘sitting’ in PGR spaces designated for ‘other’ schools (ahem.. that would include me), and other PGRs being in the stages of a wholesale move across schools to find academics who understood and celebrated their research.
At the end of the session we asked the attendees to complete a feedback form with what they liked about the day and what they would have changed. The form also provided the attendees with the opportunity to join the iHuman network and/or receive more information about the PGR roles in the network. We made it clear that we welcomed critique, and suggestions for next year. Largely the attendees completed the “What would you have changed about the day?” questions with comments that they wouldn’t have changed anything, which was lovely as we felt the same, but there were suggestions we wanted to note in our reflections on the day.
We planned in comfort breaks after every 2 presentations and participants were welcome to step out of the room as required. This was initially to allow for attendees to have some space if they were overwhelmed, or acknowledging that the day fell during Ramadan, allowing attendees to observe prayer times. Although relaxed, we were conscious of timings and kept to schedule. This organisation and time keeping was noted as a positive from the day. Although organised, the day was not clinical, with whole group discussions at the start of the day around the level of lighting, and a team effort of moving the tables around so that everyone could hear and engage with one another. This meant that the day felt less like a classroom, and more like a space to connect with each other.
“Great opportunity to hear about experiences at different stages of PhD/ variation. REALLY great event! thanks so much”
The talks showcased the wide reaching, and interdisciplinary ways PGRs within the faculty are engaging with questions around the human. Talks explored health inequalities, care, surveillance, migration, food access and more. Each presentation opened up questions in our own work, and potential avenues for collaboration moving forwards. Those who presented felt that the space was welcoming and friendly to present in. We definitely observed this within the room where all attendees were listening intently to the presentations, and there was never a lull in the astute, yet supportive, questions after each presentation. Recommendations were flowing, and many of the attendees who started the day knowing no one, found themselves in huddles of new contacts by the end of the day. Although engagement was high, many of the attendees had to leave for various commitments, leaving around half of the group by the end. This was noted as a shame in one of the comments - for some of the attendees this was due to teaching commitments that they were unaware of when signing up to the event. Although it would have been nice for everyone to stay for the whole day, we recognise the time pressures put on PGRs currently.
The food at INOX always goes down well, and this was no exception. We ordered a fully vegetarian and halal menu which gave the majority of the attendees the opportunity to pick and choose without reading the food labels. The option to take food away for Iftar was made clear to all attendees. Overall the food was well received however there was one comment about the food being too spicy, and several people mentioned that there were a lot of beans in the food options.
Attendees appreciated the helpful introduction, providing context about the network, from Dan, and many enjoyed the fact that the day was run and attended solely by PGRs. However, some people were disappointed that they missed out on feedback from more established researchers and would have liked to know more about the network.
“Maybe a bit more from iHuman network on like...what it is more broadly. Great to see what the people under it have got funding on but more things, especially that apply to us (if any) and future events can get involved in. Gap for PGRs generally linking with faculty so this could be a great way to network”
Overall, attendees enjoyed the space to meet new PGRs at different stages of their PhDs. They enjoyed the range of engaging presentations, yet all within similar interests and all fitting in a larger network of interdisciplinarity - this is an aspect of the iHuman network which we should celebrate. Looking at the engagement from the PGRs at this event, the celebration isn’t over!
