Early Career Law Academics took part in a Research Retreat which took place in Cromarty between 3 and 6 July 2023. The Retreat was organised by the School of Law ECR Representative - Patricia Živković.
The highly anticipated Early Career Research Retreat, organised by the Law School, brought together an exceptional cohort of researchers and scholars from various fields of law. The retreat aimed to foster collaboration, ignite innovative ideas, create a platform for enriching discussions, and provide tranquillity to focus on writing.
With a carefully curated Programme, the Law School’s Early Career Researchers were free to customise their experience, selecting from several research rooms and social activities. This flexibility allowed participants to pursue their individual research goals while benefiting from the collective intellectual energy of their peers.
The retreat organisers ensured that different work styles were accommodated. A quiet room, featuring the Pomodoro Technique, provided a tranquil space for concentrated and uninterrupted work. Another quiet room allowed individuals to work at their own pace, without scheduled breaks, granting them the freedom to flow in and out as needed. Collaborative workspaces and research activities were set up to facilitate constructive exchanges, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations while respecting the need for privacy and concentration.
Beyond academic pursuits, the retreat provided ample opportunities for participants to unwind, socialise, and forge meaningful connections. The various social activities enabled the attendees to engage in stimulating discussions and establish valuable networks within the research community. The retreat's organisers were keen on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where participants could both intellectually thrive and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded individuals.
The retreat participants reported a positive experince and provide encouraging feedback with some of the shared impressions below:
''This retreat was a wonderful experience. The combination of a peaceful, beautiful location and a warm and friendly environment enabled me to be highly productive. The atmosphere of quiet reading, thinking, and writing coupled with the social activities allowed for the perfect balance of work and fun. I came away from it with new research ideas, new friendships, and a new love of the Pomodoro Technique.'' – Luci Carey, Lecturer in Commercial Law
''The retreat was an amazing experience! It provided well needed respite from the business of everyday activities and allowed me to focus on my ongoing research projects, explore collaborative opportunities with other colleagues at the school, and still relax in the beautiful town of Cromarty.'' – Nevena Jevremovic, Lecturer in Commercial Law
''I was delighted to receive such positive feedback from the retreat attendees, witnessing their enthusiasm while researching and enjoying their time in Cromarty! The attendees were a fantastic group characterized by their easy-going nature and positive attitude. Their enthusiasm and teamwork added an extra layer of joy to the retreat, making it an even more remarkable experience.
I am immensely grateful to Professor Greg Gordon, Head of School, and Professor Abbe Brown, Director of Research, for being receptive to the needs of the Early Career Researchers group within the School, and for endorsing and supporting this retreat.
Additionally, I extend my thanks to Mr Georgi Chichkov for his assistance in managing the logistics of the trip. Finally, I must express my sincere appreciation to the staff at Cromarty Arts Trust, whose hospitality and dedication made our stay truly memorable.'' - Patricia Živković, Lecturer and ECR Representative in the School of Law