An interdisciplinary retreat unites emerging researchers across the arts and humanities

PhD researchers gathered to share their work, exchange ideas and set out their expectations for the new School of Global Humanities during a 2-day PGR-led retreat.

More than 35 postgraduate researchers from across the five schools that will form the new School of Global Humanities gathered on 8–9 June for Dr Global Humanity: Research Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries, a conference and retreat designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and build connections among postgraduate researchers.

The event was co-organised by PhD researchers from the current schools which will form the new School of Global Humanities.

• Liam Billingsley and Gifty Andoh-Arthur (representing the School of English, Communication and Philosophy)
• Ella Beavington (representing the School of Music)
• Jay Collay (representing the School of History, Archaeology and Religion)
• Morgane Dirion and Ka Long Tung (representing the School of Modern Languages)

The new School of Global Humanities (live from August 2026) will be comprised of 5 departments: History, Archaeology and Heritage; Languages and Linguistics; Literatures, Creative Writing, Music and Visual Cultures; Philosophy and Religion; and Welsh.

“We wanted to do something that would bring the postgraduate researchers of the global humanities together ahead of the creation of the new School – to instil a sense of community where there might not be one yet. It was important for us to make this a safe and friendly environment – one where we would not only meet future colleagues, but also maybe make friends” said Morgane Dirion.

The retreat got underway with an opening icebreaker which set the supportive and collegial tone of the event. This was followed by an opportunity for participants to explore their common research interests by drawing on word clouds. The retreat also included a writing retreat, and a reflective walking session where researchers from different schools exchanged experiences and developed new professional relationships.

Dr Jonathan Morris, Reader representing the School of Welsh, delivered a keynote address entitled Developing interdisciplinary research to support Welsh speakers. Drawing on his expertise in Welsh language research, Dr Morris highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary work and offered practical advice for PhD researchers developing their own interdisciplinary projects.

Alongside the keynote address, the programme featured poster presentations, three-minute lightning talks, and ten-minute presentations. These sessions provided PhD researchers with opportunities to communicate their research to colleagues from different disciplinary backgrounds and receive constructive feedback within a friendly environment.

Academics across the 5 schools were also invited to lead research workshops where participants developed new methodological skills. The workshops included sessions on ethnography by Dr Cristina Marinetti and Dr Balsam Mustafa, artificial intelligence by Dr Joseph Lambert, visual methods by Dr Susan Morgan and Dr Meena Saverimuttu, and discourse analysis by Caoimhe Power Gallagher and Vicky Hansly.

A roundtable discussion with early-career academics and recent graduates allowed participants to reflect on their own doctoral journey as well as consider post-PhD career pathways. The interactive session created an opportunity for PhD researchers to seek advice from those who had navigated similar challenges. Guest speakers in the roundtable included Dr Jake Lloyd, Dr Iona Ramsay, and Dr Sean Roberts.

Towards the end of the retreat, a plenary, hosted by Ella Beavington and Liam Billingsley as PGR Student Reps from their respective schools, reflected on the 2-day event, the value of shared research input and prospect of the new School.

“It was valuable to hear from PGR colleagues from across the schools to share their excitement and nervousness towards the new School. I believe these honest conversations will lead to a supportive and creative research environment in the near future,” said Ka Long Tung.

One participant commented: “This retreat truly fostered a sense of community, reminding us that we are not alone in our academic journeys. I look forward to maintaining these connections and continuing our conversations as we progress in our studies.”

The 2-day retreat pulled together a range of activities, from structured academic sessions to student-led reflections, creating the template for a new era of broader and stronger interdisciplinary collaborations in the PhD community. In an empowering and safe space for new connections and friendships to develop, participants could leave their disciplinary boundaries behind and shape a new direction for the future.