2019 2nd Networking Workshop for Early and Mid-Career Women in Regional Studies and Science

The post PhD period can include challenges and uncertainties around roles, locations, contracts and funding. This time of life also frequently coincides with personal change such as relationship change, family planning, buying of first homes, moving abroad and increased levels of travel. Mid-Career Scholars face new challenges in their academic career when starting a faculty position, e.g. a lectureship or an assistant professorship. In this period each scholar must find strategies to balance the different responsibilities in teaching, administration and research. Academics in this transition often make unconscious decisions about their style of leadership or teaching. An important element in dealing with these uncertainties and in taking conscious decisions is access to a strong network, the chance to plan and discuss career opportunities and the opportunity to discuss these issues with role models, mentors and coaches.

For this reason, the Regional Studies Association supports this members’ led network specifically designed for female early and mid-career researchers in the fields of regional studies and regional science. The aim is to provide a platform for network building and to offer conversations with established female researchers in an informal setting. By funding the workshop, the RSA hopes to give impetus to growing a strong network and a series of related events.

Following the dynamic 1st Networking Workshop held in October 2018, the 2nd edition foresees to focus on career development opportunities and soft skill development. The networking workshop aims at developing a community to support network members during their whole career. We aim to provide a forum for exchange led by participants wishes bringing in external support through coaches and experienced academics.

The Workshop is organised as a side event to the 2019 Annual Conference which will be held 5th – 7th June 2019 at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. However, attendance of the Annual Conference is not a requirement to join this workshop.

Presenters 2nd Networking Workshop for Early and Mid-Career Women in Regional Studies and Science

Due to the RSA’s financial support the workshop is free to attend but current RSA membership is a requirement. If you would like to take part but are currently not members, please join the RSA at www.regionalstudies.org/membership or contact  the RSA’s Communication and Membership Manager Alex at alex.holmes@regionalstudies.org

Attendees will need to organise their own travel and accommodation. Suggestions for accommodation are provided at https://bit.ly/2Vw9KE1 and we encourage to book them early as Santiago is rather popular in June.

Application process

The Network is intended to provide an open platform and applications are welcome from everyone who is interested in this network. Please apply at https://members.regionalstudies.org/lounge/Meetings/Meeting?ID=235.

The application deadline is 14th April 2019. Places are limited to a maximum of 25 and are given on a first come first serve basis.

To apply, please use the RSA’s online registration system and provide the following details in the section called ‘Abstract’:

• First Name and Surname:
• Career stage: Early Career (within 5 years after finishing the PhD) or Mid-Career
• Current job title:
• Institution:
• Telephone number (preferably a mobile):
• Email Address:
• Keyword research interests (up to five areas):
• Your motivation to join this network (max 500 words):

You are welcome to contact Franziska Sielker (fs421@cam.ac.uk) or Sally Hardy (sally.hardy@regionalstudies.org) with any questions regarding this workshop.

For more information on the RSA’s Annual Conference go to – www.regionalstudies.org/events/pushing-regions-beyond-their-borders