Writing Retreat 2026 'Beyond Metrics: Producing Your Best Work'

Social Science faculty are invited to the Summer Writing Retreat 2026 'Beyond Metrics: Producing Your Best Work', a two-day event taking place on Monday, 8 June and Tuesday, 9 June, which will focus on supporting high-quality academic writing and publication.

Each day will open with guest speaker sessions. On Day One, Professor Janet Boddy (Head of Education and Social Work) and Professor Michael Collyer (Head of Geography) will share practical insights on publishing, including how to position your strongest work and make strategic journal choices. They will also reflect on the role of the “critical friend” and on reviewing outputs for the REF.

On Day Two, Professor Liz David-Barrett, Director of the Centre for the Study of Corruption, will present her book proposal Power Grab: The Rise of State Capture, which was longlisted for the 2023 Ideas Prize, an award she subsequently won.

The Writing Retreat 2026 'Beyond Metrics: Producing Your Best Work' will be in the Student Centre, with introduction at 9:15 and finishing at 17:00. The Student Centre Woodland 2 room will be a base for group activities, including talks, food and drink. Participants are invited to take advantage of the variety of spaces, comfortable armchairs and sofas, outdoor seating area, study carrels, 'beach huts', writing desks, and silent areas in the Student Centre to work on their writing projects in timed sessions, individually or in small, quiet groups.