Dr Aikaterina (Katrina) I. Tavoulari, a Research Associate in the Department of Psychology at University of Bath reflects on their experiences of GW4 Crucible 2024: ‘Tackling health inequalities and driving social justice through radical interdisciplinarity’.
It all began with a suggestion from a past GW4 Crucible participant, followed by a colleague’s encouragement, and then an announcement centred on tackling health inequalities. The application process took some time, but it provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on my research, my interdisciplinary background, and leadership journey so far. After a couple of months of anticipation, the good news arrived, along with news releases and congratulatory messages. It was clear that something special was about to unfold.
The GW4 Crucible 2024 turned out to be much more than just a programme —it was a deeply transformative experience. Over five months, I had the privilege of participating in a unique blend of retreat-style labs in two cities and engaging online meetings. Thirty researchers from the GW4 universities were selected, joined by GW4 representatives, a coach, and media professionals to document our journey. Together, we navigated four days of in-person labs and four online masterclasses, guided by insights from around twenty expert speakers.
This experience had a profound impact on me. It not only strengthened my leadership skills and refined my approach to grant applications, but also brought deeper meaning to my interdisciplinary academic and professional journey. Most exciting of all, it sparked new research projects shaped by my unique perspective on vision impairment and accessibility. However, what made this journey truly unforgettable were the moments of shared laughter, deep conversations, attentive listening, and the meaningful silences that filled the spaces between.
Participating in the GW4 Crucible 2024 programme provided a unique opportunity to channel my passion for vision impairment participatory research into a collaborative environment with other exceptional researchers and academics committed to addressing health inequalities. The dynamic and inspiring atmosphere encouraged me to share my perspectives, seek invaluable support and advice, and reflect on the academic ego we often carry. This experience reminded me that we are all equal, each contributing a unique piece to the same puzzle. As this transformative journey concluded, I felt profoundly grateful for the chance to develop my leadership skills while working alongside such dedicated and purpose-driven colleagues and GW4 representatives.
The final outcome? I emerged as a better, more confident researcher, equipped with new tools and perspectives to lead impactful projects. I am also particularly proud of the involvement of my Co-Investigator, whose contributions were instrumental in shaping our project’s direction and ensuring its success. This experience has left me with the conviction that the work we have started here will continue to grow, fuelled by the same passion and commitment that brought us together.
