New GW4 Crucible cohort set to explore interdisciplinary approaches to mental health and wellbeing
A former Royal Navy mental health nurse, ballerina, translator and support worker are among the 30 researchers chosen for this year’s GW4 Crucible programme.
GW4 Crucible offers future research leaders a six month leadership development programme and the opportunity to come together with their peers to consider new interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to research and its impact.
The successful applicants from Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter universities will explore the 2022 theme ‘Building Back Better: Interdisciplinary Approaches To Mental Health And Wellbeing Research’.
One in four people in the UK are affected by mental ill health each year, with growing concern this could worsen due to issues such as Covid-19, climate anxiety and racial inequalities.
By working with researchers in other disciplines, the aim is for GW4 Crucible participants to generate innovative, multifaceted responses to mental illness and mental wellbeing, enabling individuals and communities to ‘build back better’.
This year’s selected researchers have a broad range of interests and expertise, including psychology, epidemiology, mathematics, ancient history and drama.
They will take part in a hybrid programme which will include two in-person residential labs and four online masterclasses. Participants will benefit from career development skills training, networking opportunities, and enhanced visibility with senior academic staff and sector leaders across GW4 and beyond. At the end of the programme, they will then have an opportunity to compete for seed funding.
To date, GW4 Crucible has supported over 150 early careers researchers, many of whom have gone on to successfully apply for initiatives such as the New Generation Thinkers scheme and the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships scheme.
GW4 Director, Dr Joanna Jenkinson MBE, said: “The GW4 Crucible programme is instrumental in helping to enhance the careers of our future research leaders, empowering them to collaborate with researchers in other disciplines and institutions to address global challenges while furthering their networks and leadership potential.
“I am highly impressed by the breadth of expertise in this year’s cohort and look forward to seeing their innovative ideas.”
Meet the successful researchers taking part in Crucible 2022 and follow their progress on Twitter via the hashtag #GW4Crucible.
