Celebrations of research
Last week Loughborough University London’s doctoral researchers celebrated recent journal publications by two of their own.
Hosting these celebrations has become a tradition among the PhD students, when someone publishes a journal article, a book chapter or a book. This was initiated by the PhD students, in particular Fiona Meeks, however faculty members also attend.
Justin Tumlinson states why such celebrations are important:
The work of a PhD student is no longer just the author’s but has been imprinted with our collective views and refinements. The culminatory celebrations are, of course, to honour the achievements of one of our own, but are also the flipside of that crucible-like PhD seminar—the reminder that success of one of us is a win for all of us.
Justin, who instituted the weekly PhD seminar series where students present their own research to each other, also said:
Research can be beautifully independent and horribly lonely at times. The essence of research culture is that our intellectual product is better when we do it together—the interchange of ideas and the sharing of the emotional highs and lows that come along the route from inspiration to publication. And it’s just fun—laughing together is really cohesive.
Part of the tradition includes baking a customised cake for the person who recently publishes their research, and they have a toast with some whiskey.
Lecturer in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Dr Anna Grosman said:
Celebrating together everyone's success makes stronger bonds within the disparate PhD community and creates better incentives to publish.
PhD researcher, Fiona Meeks initiated the publication celebrations because talking to other people in the same position positively affects mental health, and celebrating fellow PhD students’ achievements is important. Such events bring people together to give them the opportunity to share their experiences.
PhD students whose publications have been celebrated, so far, are Sophie Peng, Gori Olusina-Daniel, Lena Langosch, Jennifer Agwunobi, and Dan Read.
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2020 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2018 THE Student Experience Survey.
Loughborough is in the top 10 of every national league table, being ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2020, 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 and 8th in The UK Complete University Guide 2020.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
Specialising exclusively in postgraduate-level study, Loughborough University London is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers cutting-edge master’s and PhD degrees, as well as business collaboration, research and enterprise opportunities.
The seven specialist institutes at Loughborough University London include: Design Innovation, Digital Technologies, Diplomacy and International Governance, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Management, Media and Creative Industries, and Sport Business. Close industry partnerships with a wealth of leading businesses and creative organisations means teaching and learning is informed by real-life challenges and driven by true industry pressures.