Time: 9:45 – 11:45 | Parallel Workshops
Workshop 1: Becoming One with Your Professional Self
Location: Quad Teaching Room, Edinburgh Law School
Speaker: Laura Malik, Mental Health Counsellor & Psychotherapist (MBACP), Juniper Green, Scotland
This session will explore the concept of confidence—how it is developed, sustained, diminished, and ultimately restored. It will also address assertive communication as a tool for effective self-advocacy. Participants will engage in two interactive activities. The first is an individual reflection exercise designed to help recall and articulate past experiences of confidence, with the aim of drawing on these memories during times of self-doubt. The second activity involves paired discussions focused on how individuals navigate failure and imperfection, and on generating strategies to enhance self-compassion and resilience moving forward.
Workshop 2: Making Sense of Your Data: Inconclusive Evidence in International Studies
Location: G.159 MacLaren Stuart Room, Edinburgh Law School
Speaker: Sarah Weiler, University of Strathclyde
Through collaborative exercises and structured dialogue, this workshop aims to help participants reflect on the methodological choices necessary to handle a contested evidence landscape. The session will: Encourage participants to reflect on their work and the methodological and epistemological challenges they face; Pool participants' knowledge and experiences to brainstorm and critically assess strategies for overcoming these challenges; Provide a space for honest discussions on what it means to be a "good" researcher trying to make sense of a complex world; and Build networks and a community of engaged and critical International Studies scholars.
Time: 9:20 – 11:00 | Parallel Workshops
Workshop 3: Publishing Your First Book: Editorial and Author Insights
Location: Room 1.50, Hybrid Teaching Space, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Speakers:
Emma House, Commissioning Editor, Edinburgh University Press
Annika Bergman Rosamond, University of Edinburgh
This workshop aims to support first-time authors by offering both editorial and author perspectives on academic publishing. Emma House will share what commissioning editors look for in a book proposal and how to prepare your manuscript for submission. Dr. Rosamond will reflect on her experience as an author, offering practical advice on writing, revising, and navigating the publication journey.
Workshop 4: Getting a Job and Thriving in Academia
Location: Room 1.55, Hybrid Teaching Space, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Speakers:
Dr. Benjamin Faude, University of Glasgow
Dr. Lucy M. Abbott, University of Edinburgh
This workshop is designed to support early career researchers navigating the academic job market and the challenges of academic life. Dr. Faude will provide practical advice on preparing strong job applications and excelling in job talks and interviews. Dr. Abbott will discuss strategies for thriving in academic roles, including balancing research and teaching, building a long-term career path, and overcoming common early career hurdles.