North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
Joining from a distance: Chairing and presenting at DSA2026
Cynthia Keza Birikudavyi, Development & Humanitarianism, University of Manchester (2025 Cohort)
When I began my PhD in fall 2025, one of the first pieces of advice I received from people who had already been through the process was to make use of the spaces where doctoral researchers can build community, exchange ideas and learn from one another. A PhD can be lonely, and conferences can offer a welcome reminder that research develops through conversation.
Read MoreAttending the Emotional Dimensions of Doctoral Writing Retreat, run by Dr Natalie Hammond.
Freddy Sperring, SSSTM, University of Liverpool (2024 cohort)
I signed up to the Emotional Dimensions Writing retreat mostly on a whim. I had my first data collection workshop the next day and decided that rather than waste a day stressing, I would try and force myself to be productive by leaving the city and surrounding myself with other people. I also very nearly cancelled the retreat. In my head, I had already written an email politely saying there was absolutely no way I was sweating my way from Liverpool to Manchester squeezed into a commuter train with 50 strangers in 30-degree heat. But I had already agreed to write this blog, and I hate cancelling things, so I felt honour bound to attend.
Read More“I can’t get this feeling out of my head, I am the imposter”
Jessica Walsmsley, SSSTM, University of Manchester (2025 cohort)
Louis Tomlinson’s music has never felt so relevant. Since the days of One Direction, I hadn’t paid much attention to the solo artist’s work, but hearing his recent song, “Imposter,” made me reflect on how I’ve been feeling as I come to the end of the first year of my PhD. My friends laughed when I drew the comparison, but imposter syndrome was something I had heard about without ever imagining I would experience it myself.
Read MoreWearing Two Hats: Co-organising and presenting at the Creative Methods and Dissemination showcase at Keele University 2026.
Photo from the ‘dancing with bacteria’ session.
Erin Molyneux, Geography & Environment, Keele University (2025 Cohort)
I was delighted to be welcomed into the Creative Methods Creative Dissemination (CMCD) 2026 inaugural showcase as both a presenter and part of the organising committee. When I saw the email circulated by the NWSSDTP regarding the CMCD showcase that was being held at Keele University I couldn’t think of a better place to disseminate my research. This was my first time presenting my research outside of small seminars and in front of a diverse audience of academics and non-academics. As I read through the email, they were also looking for volunteers to be on the organizing committee for the event so I quicky contacted the organisers and offered to be a part of the event. This event was supported by a Methods North West grant alongside support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The day was full of a variety of presentations from various disciplines including fine art, education, medicine and geography. There was a choice of workshops where a supportive space was maintained for individuals to explore creative methods in a hands-on way and a closing session named “dancing with bacteria” that got everyone outside for some somatic movement and dance. What a way to end a creative methods showcase!
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North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership 