North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership
Traversing different paths: NWSSDTP Careers Event at Oddfellows Hall
Ellie Dolmor, Business and Management, Lancaster University (2025 Cohort) and Anna Drury, Economic and Social History, Lancaster University (2023 Cohort)
Ellie and I recently met for the first time (despite being at the same institution!) when we attended a Careers Event together organised by the NWSSDTP, Preparing for an Education-Focused Career in the Social Sciences, hosted by the wonderful Professor Lisa Anderson at Oddfellows Hall, University of Manchester. Here, we share our thoughts and reflections on the event, which included lots of laughs, a slap-up lunch, and both fabulous and suspect artwork!
Read MoreSolo travel abroad for the American Association of Geographers Conference 2026
Aisling O’Rourke, Geography & Environment, University of Manchester (2023 Cohort)
In March 2026 I boarded my flight to San Francisco, excited and nervous to attend the American Association of Geographer’s Conference. This was my first time travelling to the US and first time travelling abroad for a conference, so there were many unknown elements for me to ponder in advance of my travels. I very much acknowledge my privilege in being able to travel to the US in these difficult and uncertain times and reflected upon my positionality in being able to make this journey, as well as what voices and perspectives that might not be present at the conference.
Read MoreReflections on being a NWSSDTP Student Representative – One Year Later
*(Please read/listen to the narrated version or do both based on whatever you prefer)!
Sam Browning, Geography & Environment, University of Liverpool (2024 Cohort)
Over the past year, I have thoroughly enjoyed being an EDI and Well-Being student representative for the NWSSDTP (DTP). I have been fortunate to get involved in a wide range of rewarding opportunities. In this blog, I will emphasise some of my highlights so far and why I highly recommend that any other student consider becoming a rep in the future.
Read MoreTranslating Research for Policy Impact: An ESRC Postdoctoral Perspective on Giving Parliamentary Evidence
Dr Jane Horton – Previous ESRC Postdoctoral Fellow
At the start of my Fellowship in October 2024 (ESRC postdoctoral fellowships – UKRI)I, like many postgraduates and early career researchers, had heard about ‘engaging with policy’, but was unsure how to do this in practice. A key turning point for me was taking part in the ESRC Post Doctoral Fellows Development Programme, delivered by Sealey Associates (https://sealeyassociates.com/a-pilots-eye-view-the-esrc-postdoctoral-fellows-development-programme). The programme was valuable throughout, but the training on engaging with policy makers in January 2025 felt particularly relevant to my work. It demystified the policy world and, crucially, made engagement feel possible rather than aspirational. It was clear to see that my research could contribute to important, current debates in areas beyond academic journals and conferences.
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North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership 