My Writing Retreat at Chapelgarth, Yorkshire: A Journey of Growth and Creativity 

By Jude Coe Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash When I started my Professional Doctorate, I had never heard about writing retreats and was both nervous and excited that The University of Birmingham was able to offer an opportunity for me to participate in one.  Embarking on my first writing retreat at Chapelgarth, Yorkshire, was a wonderful experience … Continue reading “My Writing Retreat at Chapelgarth, Yorkshire: A Journey of Growth and Creativity “

When you find a journal that helps you…. 

By Jude Coe Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash As a physiotherapist and professional doctoral student, I am constantly seeking to deepen my understanding of how physical activity influences mental health. The recent journal article, “Physical Activity and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Best-Evidence Synthesis of Mediation and Moderation Studies,” provides valuable insights that are highly … Continue reading “When you find a journal that helps you…. “

Navigating the Journey of a Professional Doctorate in Exercise and Sports Medicine and a Full-time Working Mum

By Jude Coe Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash Embarking on a Professional Doctorate in Exercise and Sports Medicine has been an exciting and challenging journey. My research focuses on the determinants of resilience in performing arts, a topic that bridges my clinical background in physiotherapy with the psychological aspects of sports medicine. Under the guidance of Professor … Continue reading “Navigating the Journey of a Professional Doctorate in Exercise and Sports Medicine and a Full-time Working Mum”

The role of research to improve processes in elite environments 

By Dr Liam Anderson Research in many ways is fundamental to improving what we currently know. Although we perform tasks and make decisions daily, until it is investigated deeper it is difficult to improve. As part of Andy Kavanagh’s Professional Doctorate here at the University of Birmingham, he is investigating the processes that are leading … Continue reading “The role of research to improve processes in elite environments “

Creating the research question in applied research 

By Dr Liam Anderson Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash  Last month we welcomed students from every cohort on the Professional Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Science onto campus to a development day. Whilst Professor Barry Drust and I designed this day to be for the students, it was fantastic to see all the research that was being … Continue reading “Creating the research question in applied research “

Unpacking Professional Identity: Who Am I and Why It Matters? 

By Katie Cronin Credit – John Hain Pixabay In the dynamic fields of physiotherapy and academia, understanding our professional identity is crucial, especially if we take the decision to make the transition into research roles. As practitioners, educators, and now researchers, we often find ourselves navigating the complex intersections of science, patient care, and educational … Continue reading “Unpacking Professional Identity: Who Am I and Why It Matters? “

Annual reviews: Informing the doctorate process 

By Professor Barry Drust and Paul Green The doctorate annual review: the supervisors view  At Birmingham all post-graduate research students have an annual review. This is a formal requirement at the university. The process involves an evaluation of the progress around an individual’s research training in the past year. In a two-stage process both the … Continue reading “Annual reviews: Informing the doctorate process “

Lessons from a research visit

By Professor Barry Drust Collaborations with other researchers provide a range of opportunities in my experience. One overt one is the opportunity to travel and spend time in a different country, a different university and a different research group. I was lucky enough recently to be hosted by Dr Scott Mclean a Senior Research Fellow and  … Continue reading “Lessons from a research visit”

Balancing Acts: Navigating the Dual Roles of Clinician and Researcher in Healthcare 

By Katie Cronin Photo by Niklas Ohlrogge on Unsplash  The world of healthcare is a multifaceted landscape, and for some professionals, wearing two distinct hats is not only a challenge but a rewarding journey. The dual roles of clinician and researcher require a delicate balance of skills, time management, and a commitment to advancing both … Continue reading “Balancing Acts: Navigating the Dual Roles of Clinician and Researcher in Healthcare “

Multiple Worlds Blending  

By Caroline White I am just about to celebrate my two-year anniversary this month of leaving full-time sport and entering the world of academia. A lot has happened over this two-year period as I began almost a new career and not knowing, especially in the early days, if I had made the right decision.   When … Continue reading “Multiple Worlds Blending  “