By Theo Aalders (Project C03 Green Futures) and Jonathan M. Jackson (Project A02 Past Futures).
Two days in mid-October saw Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from the CRC and affiliated projects come together at Haus Abrahm in the Eifel for an Autumn workshop and retreat. The programme was designed as a productive and inspiring space for ECRs to share fieldwork and deskwork experience, and engage in team-building in an open-minded and inclusive manner. We were hosted by Haus Abrahm at the gateway to the Eifel National Park, where fresh air and fine vegetarian cuisine provided the foundation for productivity without pressure. A number of sessions formed the backbone of the programme, while ample time, space, and opportunity was also given over to group-led discussions. The first session was an engagement in each other’s work through the medium of PowerPoint presentations.
We then explored the ‘Highs and Lows of Academia’ by sharing our experiences of those moments which can raise our hopes, and thwart our progress. Next, the difficult and often painful process of engaging with Peer Reviews was explored creatively and poetically. This also led to honest admissions and sensitive reflections of a side to academia which is frequently kept private from others. A session on ‘The Art and Science to Writing Titles and Abstracts’ was both entertaining and educative, and led to a fascinating exploration of the power, perils, and opportunities posed by AI within academia. During the second afternoon several of us hiked the surrounding area while others took the chance to unwind from a critical juncture in their doctoral studies. The retreat was designed to address our work, but also provide an antidote to it. Numerous tea breaks peppered the days and a film screening each evening helped to create this atmosphere.
