This summer, ART-AI students were joined by Computer Science postgraduate researchers, as well as students from the Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour (IDSB) and the Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber Security, for a three-day residential Writing Retreat at the beautiful Ammerdown Retreat Centre in Radstock, Somerset.
Now in its sixth year, the ART-AI Writing Retreat continues to provide a dedicated space for doctoral researchers to step away from their usual environments and focus on their writing. Bringing together students from all ART-AI cohorts, the retreat offered uninterrupted time for progress on research outputs, while also fostering connections across disciplines and year groups.
The retreat was extremely well received, with participants highlighting the peaceful surroundings, supportive atmosphere and valuable opportunity to concentrate on their work without the distractions of day-to-day academic life. Many also appreciated the chance to meet and talk with other researchers facing similar challenges during their PhD journeys, as well as discussing their research in an informal and encouraging setting.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One participant described the retreat as:
“It has been incredibly nourishing and restorative. I’m very grateful I could be here. Thank you so much for this amazing retreat.”
Another commented:
“Everything should be continued. I love this event and look forward to it every year.”
The continued success of the Writing Retreat demonstrates the value of creating dedicated time and space for researchers to focus, reflect and connect with their peers.
