As the IAS Doctoral Leaders for 2024/2025, we (Will, Yajie, and Esther) are excited to share our reflections on what has been an inspiring and enriching journey with the Institute of Advanced Studies at Loughborough University. In this blog, we delve into our motivations for joining the Doctoral Leader programme, highlight key experiences and takeaways from our time at the IAS, and offer some words of encouragement to fellow postgraduate researchers. We hope our insights shed light on the value of engaging with interdisciplinary research communities and inspire others to get involved.

Inspirations for becoming doctoral leaders:

Will: My inspirations for becoming a doctoral leader was to gain knowledge in a wide range of inter-disciplinary research and how research crosses borders on a global scale. I aim to foster an international academic career and being a doctoral leader gives real insight into the rewards and challenges associated with being an international academic. The team at the IAS also really drew me in, meeting the passionate and supportive staff fosters a great environment to grow personally and professionally and drew me into applying to be a doctoral leader.

Yajie: A key motivation for pursuing the Doctoral Leader role was my enthusiasm for engaging with scholars from a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds. As someone whose research bridges creative practice and well-being, I value opportunities to explore ideas beyond my own field. I was especially motivated by the chance to learn from visiting fellows from around the world and to gain insights into their varied research approaches and academic journeys. I also saw this as a valuable opportunity to expand my academic network and grow both personally and professionally.

Esther: My decision to join the IAS Doctoral Leader – Postgraduate Internship Programme was driven by a desire to engage more actively in interdisciplinary dialogue and to support the incredible work the Institute does in facilitating high-level research exchange. I saw this opportunity not just to grow my network and experience, but also as a platform to contribute meaningfully to a vibrant and global research community.

Reflections on our time at the IAS:

Will: Working with the team at the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at Loughborough University has been an inspiring and enriching experience. The IAS fosters a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where diverse ideas are welcomed and nurtured. Being part of such a dynamic team means engaging with world-leading researchers, supporting interdisciplinary dialogue, and contributing to projects that have real global impact. The supportive culture encourages innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. It’s a space where everyone’s contributions are valued, and where academic curiosity thrives. Working with the IAS team has been truly a pleasure and has deepened my understanding of leadership, collaboration, and the power of shared knowledge.

Yajie: I feel privileged to be a Doctoral Leader at IAS. My time in this role has been a truly rewarding and incredible. I feel honoured to support IAS in hosting leading international academics during their time at Loughborough, and assist in organising IAS events, including seminars, talks, PGR workshops, and coffee mornings. Additionally, it has been extremely enriching to connect with academics from various disciplines across the university and worldwide. This opportunity has not only broadened my perspective on multi-disciplinary research but has also helped me enhance my skills in academic networking and collaboration, which are experiences that I believe will significantly benefit my academic journey.

My role as a Doctoral Leader has not only been an incredibly rewarding experience but has also fostered a range of transferable skills that have enriched both my personal and professional development. From networking and communication to teamwork, these experiences have deepened my academic interests and provided valuable insights through various events and activities. It is a unique opportunity that I will look back on with pride as part of my PhD journey.

Esther: When I first came across the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at Loughborough University, what stood out to me was its clear commitment to fostering meaningful international research collaboration across disciplines. This immediately resonated with me as a doctoral researcher keen on expanding both my academic horizons and professional skills.

As a doctoral leader, my experience has been nothing short of transformative. I have had the opportunity of working collaboratively with a team of dedicated IAS staff and fellow doctoral leaders, supporting both residential and open programme fellows from various parts of the world. This role has offered me a front-row seat to diverse research perspectives and a deeper appreciation of how global challenges are being addressed across disciplines.

A highlight of my time at IAS was participating in the inaugural Africa Research Summit at Loughborough University. During this summit, I had the opportunity to work closely with esteemed IAS Visiting Fellows such as Dr Janet Febisola Adeyemi (Women in Mining Nigeria) and Professor Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe (University of Ghana). Their insights on sustainability, climate, and gender equity within African contexts left a lasting impression on me, both intellectually and personally.

Beyond the Summit, I have supported and engaged with an impressive roster of IAS Fellows including Dr Andrey Ivanov, Dr Giulia Borriello, Dr Maali D. Alshammari, Dr Tanja D. Hendriks, Professor Jefferey A. Nittrouer, Professor Peng Zhang, and Professor Renato de Oliveira Moraes. Each brought a wealth of experience and scholarly depth, which enriched the academic environment at the university and offered valuable mentoring moments for doctoral researchers via the post graduate research (PGR) workshop sessions.

Importance of the IAS:

Will: Interdisciplinary research fosters innovation by blending methods, theories, and insights across fields, leading to richer, more impactful outcomes. At the IAS, I’ve seen firsthand how bringing together researchers from different disciplines sparks new ideas and unexpected collaborations. It’s a powerful reminder that the future of research lies not in isolation, but in connection and shared purpose.

Yajie: I have truly appreciated the flexibility of my role at IAS and thoroughly enjoyed being part of a team that is approachable, welcoming, and supportive. The collaborative spirit within the team creates a positive and inspiring environment where new ideas are encouraged and innovation thrives. I feel lucky to work with such a lovely team, who has made my experience even more enjoyable.

Esther: What makes the IAS truly special is its openness, not just to ideas, but to people. Whether through roundtables, spotlight series, or seminars, the Institute cultivates a welcoming and stimulating space for inquiry. Its partnership with LUSARG and CARA further underscores a compassionate commitment to supporting at-risk academics globally, something I am incredibly proud to be associated with.

Encouragement to current Loughborough PGR students:

Will:  The opportunities for the postgraduate community at the IAS are huge! Whether it be attending a seminar to gain a richer understanding of research and innovation at the forefront of your own research area, meeting world-leading academics at one of our coffee mornings or engaging in thought-provoking discussions at dedicated PGR-sessions with one of our residential fellows, the openings are endless. The opportunities are not just limited to learning and future collaborations are initiated in the IAS, so why not come along to one of our events and see the opportunities on offer!

Yajie: I would highly recommend it to any PGRs who are passionate about academic communities and eager to engage with the diverse and vibrant research culture at Loughborough. IAS offers a unique platform for connecting with leading academics in various research area and expanding academic network. Engaging with IAS activities not only broadens your perspective but also opens doors for collaboration and professional growth.

Esther: To fellow doctoral researchers considering engagement with IAS: I encourage you to get involved. It is a space where your curiosity is welcomed, your skills are sharpened, and you get opportunity to network with top researchers from different parts of the world.

In conclusion, our journey as IAS Doctoral Leaders has been a transformative chapter in our PhD experience: one marked by collaboration, curiosity, and connection. Through our time at the Institute of Advanced Studies, we’ve not only developed vital skills in leadership and interdisciplinary engagement but also built meaningful relationships across academic cultures and continents. The IAS stands as a unique space that values dialogue, fosters innovation, and amplifies the voices of researchers at every stage of their careers. As we reflect on our experiences, we are proud to have contributed to this vibrant community and encourage fellow PGRs to explore the many enriching opportunities the IAS has to offer.