Dr. Victoria Showunmi (working group 5 Lead) along with Dr. Anne-Sophie Godfroy (Chair of the Action) organised a writing retreat which was the first for the Cost Action. It took place between 12th-14th of September 2024. There were six participants including Early Career Researchers and Senior Scholars who came from across Europe. We gathered in the picturesque Vosges mountains in Italy for the writing retreat. These researchers, came from Germany, England, Portugal, and France, mostly travelled by train to pittoresque Pierre-Percée. The purpose: to find the space and time to advance their writing projects in a peaceful, focused environment. Most importantly to work on the publication agreed by working group 5.
The retreat, aimed at supporting early career researchers and academics, was attended by Dorina Dedgjoni (Fulda University of Applied Sciences), Sara Larrabure (University of Lisbon), and Kimberley Aparisio (UCL Institute of Education). They were joined by Dr. Victoria Showunmi (Vice Dean EDI and Associate Professor, IOE, UCL Faculty of Education), Dr. Anne-Sophie Godfroy (Chair, VOICES; Associate Professor, Paris-East Créteil University), and Dr. Anne Schneider (Associate Professor, University of Caen-Normandy). A seventh, honorary member of the group was Milou, Anne’s loyal chien (dog), who provided comfort, companionship, and helped to keep the retreat sustainable by happily consuming the group’s leftovers.
Reflections from the Scholars
As the retreat ended, each participant reflected on the impact of the experience:
Dorina: ‘It was very nice being here. Thank you. It was very nice talking and sharing new ideas. I’ve been revising what I’ve been working on, and I started writing again. That was important. Things make more sense now.’
Sara: ‘For me, it was very important to realise that I can write. I wrote a lot over these days. It’s made me understand that I need to stay in a calmer place. I will do this in my daily life now – stay out of my phone, and just sit and write. I am very happy to be here with you. Thank you.’
Anne-Sophie: ‘When I was a student it was very easy to write. You come with your coffee and your sandwich, you start at 8 and finish at 2, and then you know you can go to the movies. I was used to that. The PhD was a marathon and I was trained for sprints. A book or a PhD is longer. Thanks to these sessions, I feel much more confident in the fact that I can put my phone aside and just sit in front of my computer and write. Being with young scholars mattered too – I had to be a good example!’
Anne: ‘I met women from everywhere that I didn’t know, and now I know them. I [also] wrote my abstract for a book about intersectionality and figured out how to structure the writing.’
Victoria: ‘I think it was really nice to have the space. I wrote about 1500 words. Like Anne-Sophie I was doing other things as well. I’m happy with that. I hope I’ve been able to provide support to early career researchers. ’
Kimberley: ‘I set out to write 3000 words on data analysis. I wrote 2987 words. I found our environment beautiful, tranquil and inspiring. I was equally inspired and stimulated by the presence of my colleagues. I wish to single out Victoria for praise. I felt stuck at one point, and her guidance led to a breakthrough.’
This retreat offered not only a rare opportunity to focus on writing but also fostered a sense of community and mutual support among the attendees. Milou, the faithful dog, added a touch of lightness and warmth to the experience, though his membership to COST ACTION remains pending!
Working Group 5 intends to host another writing retreat next year.
