Research can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also involve uncertainty, rejection, slow progress and competing demands.

This practical workshop helps researchers develop the mindset and tools to navigate challenges more effectively, maintain momentum during difficult periods and build sustainable habits for long-term success.

What participants will gain

Greater confidence responding to setbacks, feedback and rejection
Practical strategies for managing pressure and uncertainty
Tools for maintaining motivation and progress when things feel difficult
Increased self-awareness, which leads to stronger self-leadership
A more sustainable approach to research and career development

What we cover

What resilience really means in research
Common challenges researchers face and approaches that work
Practical tools for managing pressure and setbacks
Maintaining motivation when progress feels slow
Developing self-leadership and sustainable ways of working
Building resilience through everyday habits and behaviours

How it works

This session is designed to be:

Practical and reflective, not theory-heavy
Interactive, but low-pressure, making real progress in the session
Supportive and realistic about research life
Focused on small, usable actions that can be immediately applied

Format

Single workshop, 90 minutes to 2 hours
Delivered online via Zoom, or in person on request
Suitable for PhD researchers, doctoral training programmes, postdoctoral researchers and early career researchers (can be adapted for each career stage)

This session works well alongside

What you'll leave with

Greater confidence responding to setbacks, feedback and rejection
Practical strategies for managing pressure and uncertainty
Tools to keep motivation and momentum going when progress feels slow
More self-awareness, and with it stronger self-leadership
A more sustainable approach to research and career development
Everyday habits that build resilience over time

Frequently asked

Who is this workshop for?: PhD researchers and early career researchers navigating the uncertainty, rejection and competing demands of research life. It can be adapted for different career stages.
How long is the session?: 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what suits your group.
Is it delivered online or in person?: Online via Zoom, with in-person delivery available on request.
How many people can take part?: I usually run it for groups of 6 or more, and it works well with larger cohorts and doctoral training programmes.
What does resilience actually mean here?: Not gritting your teeth and pushing harder. We look at practical, realistic ways to respond to difficulty, maintain perspective and keep making progress without burning out.

The Resilient Researcher