GW4 Connect Impact Fund Projects

Participants of GW4 Connect programmes are offered the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £5K to support and grow the relationships and networks that have been built over the course of the programme, as well as provide resource to carry on the momentum created in the programme to improve the place of underrepresented researchers at GW4 universities.

Proposals are favoured that are ambitious and bold and seek to tangibly enhance the research culture at GW4 universities. Activities can include, but are not limited to, workshops, data collection, focus groups or interviews, or social events, bringing participants of the Connect programmes into dialogue with the wider research community at GW4 universities to disseminate the skills and knowledge gained through their participation in Connect.

Below you can find a list of past funded projects:

1. Understanding PGR parental needs to support and facilitate the creation of supportive cross-institutional resources and networks 

Project team: Bethany Teale (Bath), Katie Riches (Bristol), Veronica Blanco Gutierrez (Bristol), Made Yaya Sawitri (Bristol)

Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) with parental responsibilities present a rarely discussed proportion of the PGR community. This project aims to understand the unique challenges faced by this group of researchers, including a lack of awareness and inconsistency in support services available, the low visibility of the community, and the lack of local networks to facilitate sharing of experiences. The project aims to identify practical solutions to address these challenges, as well as share and celebrate existing good practice. In the process, the project will provide information and understanding to key decision-makers within GW4 universities, with recommendations for implementing changes that ensure higher education is accessible to those with parental responsibilities.