An Online GW4 Crucible Programme

Heading into the GW4 2021 Crucible I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard great things about the crucible programme, but was unsure of how it would work remotely. However, these uncertainties were set aside when I saw the varied programme that included using a range of online platforms (Zoom, Padlet, Remo and Slack) as well as offline self-reflection and workbook activities and a range of amazing guest speakers. The event followed the same structure as a normal crucible, involving three 2-day ‘labs’, however rather than meeting in person we were all joining from home. Despite being online the crucible was a huge success and an extremely rewarding experience.

The theme of the 2021 GW4 Crucible was ‘Transitions to Net-Zero in the Time of Covid-19’, an extremely timely and important topic that requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The cohort included researchers from a really wide range of disciplinary backgrounds and I learnt a lot from my (formal and informal) conversations with other participants.

The first lab focused on how research impacts policy, (and vice versa), and on strategies for communicating research to a wide range of audiences. It was an intense but extremely useful two days. The programme included hearing from expert speakers, paired discussions and a useful group activity involving mapping the different factors influencing research into Net Zero. Self-reflection was a theme running throughout the GW4 Crucible programme. In this lab we reflected on what we can bring to research collaborations and how we would like to use our own research to influence change. I found this to be a really valuable activity and it has helped shape my subsequent work. However, the highlight of the lab for me was the inspirational presentations from three experts on influencing change (Natalie Fée, Environmental campaigner and founder of City to Sea; Angela Francis, Chief Advisor, Economics and Economic Development, WWF; and Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner).

Lab 2 focused on working in collaboration. After hearing about the process of forming and joining successful collaborations, we put what we learnt into practice. This started with a whole group discussion responding to the question – ‘what are the important questions related to Transitions to Net Zero?’ This was followed by roundtable discussions and paired reflection. The second day of lab 2 then involved an ‘unconference’ on Transitions to Net Zero. If like me, you have never heard of an ‘unconference’; it is basically a format that enables you to move between different discussions in order to discover topics of interest and potential collaborations. I enjoyed this format as it enabled me to hear a few different discussions and pick a couple of groups that I was interested in collaborating with. I was also live tweeting lab 2 so you can see my live thoughts by searching for #GW4TwitterTakeover on twitter.

The aim of the final lab was ‘creating opportunities’ and I feel that it really succeeded in this aim. We started the lab by reflecting on what we really want to be researching (rather than what we think we should be doing). This was a useful process and is something that I will remember to reflect on as I develop my career. Building upon this we had an insightful talk about how to respond to research opportunities and we developed our collaborative discussions. We also heard from two expert panels. The first involved UKRI and other funding body guest speakers providing invaluable advice regarding what panels look for when they review funding proposals. Obviously I took a lot of notes to help me with my future applications. The second comprised the GW4 University Pro Vice-Chancellors of Research, discussing how to make the transition from researcher to research leader effectively. I learnt a lot from their advice and am applying what I learnt daily.

Overall the GW4 Crucible was an incredible experience, I learnt so much, developed skills in research dissemination, collaboration and leadership and also increased my own self-confidence. The crucible has helped me to think about my future career journey and future research opportunities. I have also made a great network of contacts with researchers that I otherwise may not have had the opportunity to meet. I’m excited about future collaborations and the opportunities that may arise from being part of the GW4 Crucible Alumni Network.