Cross Faculty PGR training workshops: Being a Neurodivergent Researcher

Being a Neurodivergent Researcher

This series of three workshops aims to support neurodivergent researchers in navigating the unique challenges they face during the final stages of their research degree and in transitioning to the next phase of their careers. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences, learn from a lived-experience advocate, and develop practical strategies for maintaining their well-being, effectively communicating their research, and exploring alternative career paths. We would like to create a space for sharing advice to help our neurodivergent PGRs to manage and develop their research, work with their supervisors, and engage the research communities and opportunities available during their degrees

Workshop 1: How to keep sane in the final months 

3rd July (Wednesday) 12:30 – 15:45

Old Library Training Room 4

Are you neurodivergent and in the last phase of your research degree? First: well done! Second: this is where the real work starts. How do you get through this last stretch of work without crumbling at the finish? Lived-experience advocate and autistic mentor Jorik Mol has been there and done that and made all the mistakes he could make. Let’s share our stories and how we keep ourselves on the safe side of sane just while you’re about to submit. (also for students who are not ready to submit yet!)

Please register at: https://staff.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_ess/ess/dist/#/main/learning/courses/activity/961817jstf

Workshop 2: Communicating your fascination 

10th July (Wednesday) 12:30 – 15:45

Old Library Training Room 4

Throughout your research degree, being neurodivergent has been your secret weapon. Your passion and your joy for your subject dragged you through the worst of it. Now, your heart and soul needs to be judged and marked by (likely) neurotypicals. Gulp! How do you express your joy and fascination in a way that allows that to be received by neurotypicals? This is where we share strategies, frustrations and laughs about miscommunications, including with supervisors, lecturers and at networking opportunities. 

Please register at: https://staff.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_ess/ess/dist/#/main/learning/courses/activity/809280jsvZ

Workshop 3: Blank space, or, the future beyond the MRes/PhD.

17th July (Wednesday) 12:30 – 15:45

Old Library Training Room 4

“So, what are you going to do now?” The dreaded question. This is what you’ve been trying to avoid all these years. We’re all perfectly aware that the job market is terrible for neurodivergent people, in whatever field we try to make our way – we have no illusions about that. However, there are ways to find yourself employed, healthy and supported – somehow, Jorik is all three of those right now! Let’s meet and share stories of job interviews, making connections, ‘the hustle,’ and how to be creative in an economy that’s great at excluding us.

Please register at: https://staff.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_ess/ess/dist/#/main/learning/courses/activity/010364jsvZ