Research Development Testamonials
Dr Briony Jones, Professor of Peace & Justice & Chair of the Society & Culture Spotlight, Politics and International Studies.
Dr Maryam Masoud, Assistant Professor, Warwick Manufacturing Group.
鈥�Over the last few month during Tuesday Write Time sessions, I completed my research article . The group鈥檚 encouragement and shared focus create such a positive and uplifting space. I deeply value this dedicated time for concentrated writing with some brief but thought-provoking discussions."
Yiduo Wang, Senior Graduate Teaching Assistant in MSc Interdisciplinary Methods, International Digital Laboratory.
Dr Charlotte Woodhead, Associate Professor in the School of Law
鈥�A Write Time鈥� is both a method of facilitating research and writing, but also a community.By incorporating my writing into my weekly practice (by attending 鈥� A Write Time鈥� and often 鈥楢 Write Space鈥�) I have thus actively made time for research, even when teaching time commitments surround me. I feel that I have almost developed the muscle of writing regularly and in small bouts 鈥� not simply waiting until there is a huge block of time to work on something (which rarely arrives!) In one particular busy time I only opened up the particular research project once or twice a week at these sessions. At the end of each session I would write a note 鈥淪tart here鈥� and then take it up from there in the next slot. However, all of those two-hour slots built up and I completed the article far sooner than I would otherwise have done. It is now completed, submitted and awaiting the reviewers鈥� comments thanks to these sessions.
The second outcome of attending these writing retreats is the community that I am now a part of. It is a welcoming, supportive, non-judgmental group of people who listen empathetically and who learn so much from each other. When our research hits a brick wall or feels overwhelming we can share these vulnerabilities with people who listen and support. By giving insights into our own experiences we help each other to navigate the often messy nature of research and writing. Importantly, it is a group who can share the small wins (taking incremental steps forward on a project) but also the bigger wins such as submitting their research or signing off on proofs of projects that, at times, had seemed like insurmountable challenges鈥�.
Dr Emma Uprichard, Reader: Interdisciplinary Methodologies, Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies.
鈥�This group (A Write Time) has transformed my whole experience of being an academic, let alone one at Warwick. Brilliantly facilitated and consistently supportive, kind and compassionate. This writing group brings in tips and regular 鈥榯ricks of the trade鈥� to help spur on anyone wanting to build up their writing muscles. It is only because the event is online that I have been able to take part, which has made participation genuinely inclusive and accessible. By attending regularly, sharing, and listening, I鈥檝e greatly improved my relationship with writing and gained encouragement from the community. It鈥檚 a Warwick group that I am both proud and grateful to be part of, and exemplifies Warwick鈥檚 commitment to accessibility, diversity and excellence as a world-class university鈥�.
Dr Lara Walker, Associate Professor: School of Law
"I first joined the writing groups when I returned from maternity leave during the Warwick Returner's Fellowship. It was lovely to have a supportive and welcoming environment where I could focus on my writing and think about it in a different way. In particular the different prompts used in each session, allow you to continue to develop your writing and approach it with a different mind frame. Having this space each week means that I make time for writing throughout the academic year, which helps me to keep developing my work. During this time, I have been developing my thoughts on a larger project which will lead to several pieces of work. So far, I have written: two articles, a funding application and two conference papers.
I particularly like that the group is cross-departmental, which enhances the University community and allows you to think about writing from different perspectives."
WMG Staff Member
"Since attending the Write Space I have developed more confidence in my abilities and my understanding that no one necessarily finds writing 鈥榚asy鈥�, we all need different support structures. Over the years in the Write Space I have successfully completed my FHEA and am now working on my SFHEA application. Write Space has always provided a positive environment for me with constructive ideas for everything from content to approach. In my reflection following a session in 2023 whilst writing my FHEA application I noted 鈥渞eally lovely support from cowriters. Talking about using it [writing the application] as an opportunity to reflect on achievements and to write about what you believe.鈥� Then more recently, in March 2026, I noted that the Write Space enables me 鈥渢o be able to spend some time going into depth on things.鈥� Without write space I would not have had the confidence to persevere with applications, such as for FHEA, promotion, conference abstracts, papers, etc."
Dr Velvetina Lim, Associate Professor: WBS
"Since joining the writing group 18 months ago, my approach to writing has changed significantly. Writing used to be the aspect of research I most dreaded, but I now see it as a skill that can be practised and refined rather than a fixed ability. The structured Pomodoro sessions, group accountability, and Harriet's thoughtful prompts helped me set realistic goals and develop a more productive writing practice. The supportive, non-competitive atmosphere made it easy to challenge myself and stay motivated. As a result, this has been my most productive period of writing, leading to multiple publications, revise-and-resubmit decisions, and papers nearing submission".