Research workshop for PhD students and post-docs

What: Cambridge Language Sciences Research Workshop

When:  Friday the 25^th of January 2013, 2:00pm-7:00pm

Where:  Clare College, Old Court, Latimer Room

Who: PhD students, post-docs and other researchers working within the field of language sciences at the University of Cambridge.

Aims of the Event

• To bring together language researchers from the different Faculties, Departments and Institutes at the University of Cambridge – a great networking opportunity!
• To provide a platform of peer support for PhD students and those engaged in language-related research – actual feedback on your own work from peers!
• To offer an opportunity to discuss your work in a safe and supportive environment!
• To stimulate current and future work and research in the field!

The event kicked off with an introductory talk by Dr Michael Evans, Dr Linda Fisher and Dr Yongcan Liu about current and recent research projects in the Faculty of Education.

Then around 13 PhD students and post-docs from departments including Education, Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, Psychology and the Computer Lab took part in a group discussion based on papers submitted in advance by members of the group. Most of those attending felt that this format was useful, both in terms of gaining insights into research in other disciplines, and also for making new contacts within the University. However, there were moments where some people were unable to follow the discussion due to the technical nature of the arguments, and a greater degree of mediation could be considered next time.

It was agreed that the research workshop had been very enjoyable, and that an interdisciplinary workshop based on reading each other's work was a good idea, but that it would be worth experimenting with the format for future workshops to maximise everyone's involvement.