GW4 Director's Update
February 2025
Welcome to the first GW4 Newsletter of 2025: your digest of GW4 news, funding and development opportunities.
I’m delighted to share the exciting work happening across the GW4 Alliance, much of which has a strong focus on research culture.
We’re thrilled to announce the return of GW4 Open Research Week 2025, led by the University of Bath, in collaboration with all four GW4 institutions. Running from 31 March to 4 April, the week will feature engaging discussions and interactive online sessions on ‘Open Research: Open Culture’, exploring its impact on integrity, collaboration, and research outcomes. Do check out the programme and sign up for sessions.
As part of the week, GW4 is hosting the second GW4 Open Research Prize, awarding £250 in vouchers to winners demonstrating outstanding open research practices. This year, we’re expanding the prize to recognise the vital role of technical and research support staff. The deadline to enter is 28 February—there’s still time!
Earlier this month, we launched our GW4 Crucible Lab series for 2025, welcoming 29 future research leaders for hands-on training and coaching. Researchers from diverse backgrounds explored solutions around ‘Creative Societies and Cultures, Cultural and Public Good?’. Read more about this year’s cohort.
We’re also excited to introduce a new GW4 Connect peer support programme for neurodivergent early career researchers (ECRs). This neurodiversity-affirming initiative is intended to foster shared learning, informal networks, and long-term connections. More details can be found on our website.
Finally, as part of our commitment to Sustainable Net Zero, GW4 is supporting UK Hydrogen Week (24 February–2 March). To mark the occasion, Dr Mi Tian, from the University of Exeter, has written an insightful piece on their hydrogen research journey—I highly recommend reading it.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and find opportunities for you and your network to benefit from the initiatives shared. You can read the full version online.
Best wishes,
Jo Jenkinson
GW4 Alliance Director
