Write-Away! On the move: a creative partnership model for PGR Writing Development

Cost constraints have pushed postgraduate researcher (PGR) writing<br/>support online or on-campus, yet researchers still crave immersive retreat<br/>experiences that foster deep focus and community. How can institutions<br/>deliver this creatively within tight budgets? We examine how four Scottish<br/>HEIs creatively reimagined writing retreat provision through the innovative<br/>"Write-Away! On the Move" programme—transforming train journeys into<br/>productive writing spaces. Funded by the Scottish Graduate School of Arts<br/>and Humanities (SGSAH), this collaborative initiative between Glasgow<br/>Caledonian University, Glasgow School of Art, Royal Conservatoire of<br/>Scotland, and University of the West of Scotland delivered a cost-effective,<br/>impactful researcher development opportunity open to PGRs across<br/>Scotland.<br/><br/>The programme transforms train carriages into mobile writing workspaces,<br/>complete with tables, power outlets, and dedicated facilitator support. This<br/>approach addresses multiple institutional priorities: providing protected<br/>writing time, fostering interdisciplinary networking, and creating memorable<br/>developmental experiences that strengthen research culture across<br/>participating institutions.<br/><br/>We used pre- and post-retreat surveys (n=16) alongside qualitative<br/>feedback from participants, and a facilitator reflection event to evaluate<br/>effectiveness. Results demonstrate most participants would attend again<br/>and cross-institutional networking flourished, with participants reporting<br/>meaningful connections and feeling part of a broader research community.<br/><br/>This collaborative model demonstrates creative resource utilisation, with<br/>shared costs making retreat experiences accessible whilst building<br/>sustainable partnerships. This innovative approach offers a replicable model<br/>for institutions seeking creative solutions to researcher development<br/>challenges, ultimately strengthening research cultures through collaborative<br/>delivery that adapts to resource constraints.