A unique programme that blends doctoral training, collaboration with cultural partners, wellbeing and community building, set in inspiring natural locations.
Our Knowledge Exchange Residential programme creates unique opportunities to bring PhD researchers together to learn, connect and share. The programme offers team work and individual activities, with a focus on collaborative work, co-design and engagement with cultural and heritage partners, as well as on creating an opportunity for researchers to cultivate personal resilience, well-being and building a sense of PhD community, in the context of inspiring landscapes and exceptional natural beauty.
Engage
Learn and apply the processes involved in co-designing a collaborative research project with a cultural partner, work creatively with senior professionals and develop precious skills that can support you in future project proposals and applications.
Connect
Share your ideas and creativity in an informal and inclusive environment, connect with peers and nurture a sense of community and belonging that can enrich your research and open it to new perspectives and potential collaborations.
Recharge
Build emotional resilience with our focused training and then enjoy nature walks, literary explorations, mindful body work, wild swimming and relax by the lakeside at our panoramic venues, to look after your wellbeing and recharge.
“In the beautiful setting of the Lake District, the Residential allowed for the collaborative sharing of ideas with peers, an open space for sharing research and knowledge, and it offered a safe space for personal and work expression. I would recommend this Residential to every PhD student, as it is a warm, welcoming, supportive, yet also educational space to get away and out of your normal routine, to rebalance, refocus yourself and your work. I feel more energised, motivated and inspired. I finally feel part of a community (of wonderful people)! It’s been a great reset and a fantastic opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way. Thank you so much!”
Phoebe Kowalska, NWCDTP PhD candidate, Manchester Metropolitan University
KE Residential 2022 / Windermere
Photos by Ben Harrison and REAlab.
More comments from the 2022 Residential
“This has been excellent for helping to give momentum to your PhD if perhaps you are stalled. It’s so important to build communities and I feel so much part of one now. The connections I have made will bring new perspectives to my research and enrich it.”
“I greatly appreciated the chance to work together in teams on a project and get to present it to the partner. It felt like something we would do in real life and that all our various ideas and experiences were of real benefit to the partner.”
“I greatly appreciated the chance to work together in teams on a project and get to present it to the partner. It felt like something we would do in real life and that all our various ideas and experiences were of real benefit to the partner.”
“The wellbeing session was very meaningful to lots of us, as helped to reflect on unhealthy practices while doing a PhD. The Silent Walk was great and I loved the Digital Geographies walk on the final day! Thanks for a fantastic programme, excellent location and the supportive environment.”
“I would definitely recommend the Residential to other PhD researchers as it provides an opportunity to step out of one’s routine and normal ways of thinking. Discussing one’s research with other PhDs asks for a clarity of thinking and ability to communicate in clear language. Getting different perspectives and approaches working together on a project was refreshing, while the opportunity to reflect and learn wellbeing techniques is invaluable.”
REAlab 